Emorimor to Meet President Museveni today over Gen. Peter Elwelu
By Peterson Hiirya.
The cultural leadership of the Iteso community is set to appeal to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the release of retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu, following his arrest over alleged subversive activities.
His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng III is expected to lead the delegation in an engagement with the President today, November 4, as concerns continue to mount across Teso over the circumstances surrounding Elwelu’s detention.
The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) says it wants the matter addressed through dialogue, fairness and respect for the law, while urging residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could threaten peace and stability.
ICU Minister for Information, Hon. Stephen Ojacor, has confirmed that Papa Emorimor and the Union’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Andrew Ocole, are expected to participate in an engagement involving President Museveni and General Henry Tumukunde.
Ojacor says the proposed appeal for Elwelu’s release will be among the key issues the cultural leaders intend to raise during the meeting.
The intervention follows the UPDF’s allegations linking the former army commander to activities intended to destabilise the Teso region, claims that have generated anxiety among sections of the community.
In a statement, the cultural institution acknowledged receiving news of Elwelu’s arrest with concern, describing him as one of Teso’s distinguished sons.
The Union also reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful engagement with government as it seeks clarity and a resolution to the matter.
Elwelu’s arrest has attracted considerable attention in Teso, partly because of his military history and strong connections to the region. He previously served as a senior commander in the UPDF and attracted international attention following the 2016 military operation at the Rwenzururu Kingdom palace in Kasese, where more than 100 people were killed.
The latest developments have also revived memories of the prolonged insurgency that affected Teso during the late 1980s and 1990s, particularly the conflict involving the Uganda People’s Army (UPA).
The conflict left communities struggling with displacement, destruction of property and loss of lives, making renewed concerns about insecurity particularly sensitive across the sub-region.
Papa Emorimor, who was installed as the third cultural leader of the Iteso in October 2022, is regarded as an important unifying figure for Iteso communities in Uganda, Kenya and the diaspora.
The outcome of today’s engagement is expected to clarify the position of government on the concerns raised by the cultural leadership and the appeal for Elwelu’s release.
Meanwhile, the Iteso Cultural Union has called on residents to remain peaceful and allow the matter to be handled through established legal and institutional channels.
