By Uwesa Buruhani Siraj
Aspiring UJA President, Activist and Journalist
For more than four decades, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has presided over a political and military system in which loyalty appears to have an expiry date. Those who serve his interests are celebrated, protected and rewarded when they are useful. But when circumstances change, yesterday’s trusted allies can suddenly become tomorrow’s liabilities. It is a ruthless political culture that can best be described in three words: USE AND DUMP!
The unfolding controversy surrounding retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu is yet another uncomfortable reminder of this dangerous political arrangement.
Where is the protection that Elwelu might have expected after years of serving the regime? Where are the powerful political connections that once made him one of the most influential military commanders in Uganda? How does a man who occupied one of the highest positions in the UPDF suddenly find himself at the centre of a security controversy, facing accusations of treachery and subversion?
Elwelu’s predicament should provoke serious national reflection.
Ugandans have not forgotten the tragic events of November 2016, when the UPDF attacked the palace of Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere in Kasese. The operation resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people, according to widely reported accounts. Elwelu, who was then a senior military commander, became one of the most controversial figures associated with that operation.
The killings attracted international condemnation and raised serious questions about military accountability, the excessive use of force and the protection of civilians. The United States later imposed sanctions on Elwelu over his alleged involvement in serious human rights abuses.
Yet, for years, the military establishment continued to operate, and those who commanded its operations remained part of the system.
Today, the political winds appear to have changed.
The same military establishment that once elevated Elwelu is now at the centre of allegations against him. Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has publicly accused him of involvement in activities allegedly intended to undermine the government. Elwelu has also faced arrest and detention as investigations continue.
These developments raise fundamental questions about loyalty, accountability and the treatment of former commanders.
Is this what happens when a military officer is no longer politically useful? Does service to the regime guarantee protection only for as long as one remains influential and obedient?
Let us be clear: nobody should be above the law, including Elwelu. If he committed crimes, he must face an independent, transparent and fair judicial process. Equally, if there are allegations of torture, unlawful detention or mistreatment, they must be independently investigated. No individual deserves to be subjected to abuse, regardless of their past record.
But Uganda cannot continue normalising a system in which powerful individuals appear untouchable when they are politically convenient and suddenly become targets when relationships collapse.
The bigger tragedy is that ordinary Ugandans are often left paying the price for political and military power struggles.
Museveni’s government must answer difficult questions about the Kasese killings, military accountability and the treatment of retired officers. Justice cannot be selective, and human rights cannot become privileges reserved for those still enjoying political protection.
USE AND DUMP! That is the political culture Uganda must confront. Yesterday’s loyalist should not become today’s victim without accountability, just as yesterday’s powerful commander should not escape responsibility for alleged crimes against civilians.
Uganda deserves institutions governed by law, not personal loyalty, fear and political convenience.
