Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has proposed psychiatric evaluations for military officers seeking promotion to the rank of general, alongside annual fitness tests for senior officers.
The announcement comes amid an ongoing dispute involving retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, the former Deputy CDF, whom Muhoozi has accused of treason and plotting rebellion. In his post, Muhoozi referred to Elwelu as a “loony”, although no independent medical assessment has been presented to substantiate the remark.
Muhoozi has also reportedly announced the stripping of Elwelu’s military ranks and his demotion to Private. He has further claimed that weapons were recovered from suspected hiding places and that more than 20 people linked to the retired general have been arrested. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Elwelu previously served as Deputy CDF and commanded troops during the controversial November 2016 security operation in Kasese. He is reportedly being sought by security agencies, while Muhoozi has urged him to surrender. Members of Elwelu’s family have disputed some of the allegations against him.
It remains unclear when the proposed psychiatric evaluations and annual fitness tests would take effect or how they would be implemented if formally adopted.
More Read
From now on before one is promoted to the rank of General in UPDF, they will undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine if they are sane or not? We will not have another loony like Elweru. Also, from today all UPDF senior officers will take annual fitness tests.
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) October 29, 2026
