The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has stepped in to defend the constitutional rights of former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Peter Elwelu following his arrest in Soroti City.
Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde says the lawyers’ body will closely monitor Lt Gen Elwelu’s detention and prosecution to ensure security agencies respect his constitutional rights.
The society has demanded that authorities disclose Lt Gen Elwelu’s place of detention, provide the legal grounds for his arrest and produce him before a competent court within 48 hours.
Uganda Law Society has also warned against denying him access to his lawyers, family and personal doctor, saying his military background and the accusations against him do not take away his constitutional protections.
The lawyers’ body further cautioned the government against repeating what it described as violations of fair-trial safeguards in the case of Dr Kizza Besigye, including interference with legal teams and restrictions on access to chosen lawyers.
The intervention comes after the UPDF confirmed Lt Gen Elwelu’s arrest over alleged activities aimed at destabilising the Teso sub-region. The army also claimed that 15 firearms, military fatigues and two pickup trucks had been recovered.
Lt Gen Elwelu’s family has denied the rebellion allegations, while the army has yet to publicly disclose the specific charges he will face or his detention location.
Uganda Law Society says it will continue monitoring the case, insisting that every suspect is entitled to due process and a fair trial.
