Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced new requirements for military officers seeking promotion to the rank of general, amid an escalating dispute with retired senior commander Peter Elwelu.
Muhoozi announced on Thursday, October 29, 2026, that all officers seeking promotion to the highest military rank would be required to undergo mandatory psychiatric evaluations. He also directed senior officers in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to undertake annual fitness assessments.
The announcement came as tensions continued between Muhoozi and Elwelu, whom the army chief recently declared demoted from lieutenant general to private, accusing him of misconduct and alleged weapons stockpiling.
In a post on his X account, Muhoozi said the psychiatric assessment would help determine whether officers were mentally fit before receiving promotions to the rank of general.
The army chief also provided an update on the ongoing operation targeting individuals linked to the former commander. He claimed that security officers had recovered additional weapons and ammunition from locations where they were allegedly concealed.
Muhoozi further announced the arrest of Elwelu’s driver and the seizure of the last vehicle associated with the former officer’s movements.
Despite the growing confrontation, Muhoozi said he had instructed soldiers to bring Elwelu to him alive, stating that he wanted to speak with him. He also warned people against assisting the former commander.
The dispute has attracted attention after Muhoozi accused Elwelu of wrongdoing and announced the arrest of more than 20 former soldiers who allegedly served under him.
However, Elwelu has challenged the legality of the demotion, arguing that the Chief of Defence Forces lacks the authority to arbitrarily strip a retired officer of his military rank.
The latest developments have raised questions about military leadership, disciplinary procedures and the legal authority governing senior officers within Uganda’s armed forces.