“Please Forgive Us Where We Disappointed You” Gen Elwelu Apologizes To Museveni & The Entire Army, Reveals His Next Plan After Leaving UPDF

On Saturday, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni hosted a grand retirement ceremony at State House Entebbe, where seven generals of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) officially ended their military service. Among them was former Deputy Army Commander, Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu, who had served for nearly 40 years. While the event marked the end of his military career, it also signaled the start of a new chapter — one centered on faith, family, and service to God.

Elwelu, who also served as Commander of Land Forces before retiring as a Lieutenant General, used the occasion to express his gratitude. Reflecting on his decades in the army, he credited his journey to divine grace. “I started as an ordinary soldier. In 1986, I didn’t know I would retire as a general in 2025. It is only by God’s grace that I am what I am today,” he said. He also spoke about surviving the dangers of military life — challenges that had led some soldiers to dismissal, prison, or death.

A striking part of his speech was his plea for forgiveness. Addressing both President Museveni and his fellow soldiers, Elwelu said, “To the Commander in Chief, we ask for forgiveness where we did not perform to your expectations — forgive us! Secondly, to our comrades who retired and those still in active service, please forgive us where we hurt you.” He emphasized that forgiveness was vital for peace, attracting God’s favor, and living a fulfilling life.

Elwelu’s career was not without controversy. One of the most defining moments came in 2016 during the attack on the Rwenzururu Kingdom palace in Kasese, where over 100 people were killed. As commander of the operation, he faced widespread criticism, but he defended the action as necessary to restore peace. In 2021, as an Army MP, he described those killed as criminals who “deserved what they got,” insisting the intervention brought stability — a stance he has never retracted.

Despite his military legacy, the retirement ceremony highlighted his spiritual transformation more than his battlefield record. Elwelu made it clear that his new mission is to spread the word of God and dedicate himself to his family. “It’s not about what you get in this world. It’s about when you leave this world, where will you be?” he asked, inviting people to join him in faith. For him, this shift reflects a desire for personal redemption and a higher calling beyond military service.

He also expressed relief that he was leaving the army with dignity. “Many are dismissed. Many end in prison. Many end in coffins. But for me, I am going with my two legs marching very well and happy back to my family,” he said. His retirement at 58 — two years before the official age — raised some questions, but it was confirmed as part of a planned retirement of 1,300 UPDF officers.

Alongside Elwelu, six other generals retired: Lt Gen Francis Ben Okello, Maj Gen Hudson Mukasa, Maj Gen George Igumba, Brig Gen John Byuma, Brig Gen Dominic Twesigomwe, and Brig Gen Augustine Kamyuka Kyazze. Their departure marks a major shift in the UPDF’s leadership, closing the chapter on decades of combined service.

For Elwelu, however, retirement is the beginning of something new. His focus now lies in preaching, promoting forgiveness, and serving his community. His journey serves as a reminder that true peace can be found not only through military strength but also through faith, humility, and a life devoted to uplifting others.