Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, the leader of Uganda’s opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), has cautioned army officers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) following the US government’s imposition of sanctions on Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, a former commander.
Until recently, Lt Gen Elwelu held the powerful position of deputy chief of defence forces (D-CDF) in the Ugandan military. Specifically, Gen Elwelu’s sanctions resulted from his role in the attacks on the Rwenzururu Kingdom palace, which led to the deaths of approximately 100 people by security forces.
On May 30, the US imposed sanctions on Gen Elwelu and other current and former Ugandan officials due to corruption and human rights violations. According to a statement from the United States’ Department of State, Speaker Anita Among faces sanctions due to corruption allegations within the parliament, an institution she presides over.
Meanwhile, Kitutu, Nandutu, and Lugolobi, despite being incarcerated last year in connection to the Karamoja Mabaati scandal, continue to face repercussions, leading to their sanctioning by the US.
Furthermore, the infamous 2016 Kasese Massacre has resurfaced, casting a shadow over Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, who has also been targeted by US sanctions for his involvement in the attack that resulted in numerous casualties and the arrest of hundreds, including King Wesley Mumbere.
Bobi Wine seized on this opportunity to warn UPDF officers that they will be held accountable for their actions. In the post, Bobi Wine shared a video clip where the UPDF Spokesperson addressed the sanctions imposed on Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, emphasizing that they were his personal issue and did not reflect on the UPDF as a whole.
Bobi Wine seized upon this statement to underscore the precarious position armed officers find themselves in when executing unlawful commands.Addressing armed officers directly, Bobi Wine urged them to consider their choices carefully each day. He presented a stark contrast: either they could choose to serve the people of Uganda or blindly follow orders from Gen. Museveni, potentially facing dire consequences individually.
“Dear armed officers, here is proof that once the tables turn against you for executing your Commanders’ unlawful orders, those same Commanders will be the first ones to give you up! In this video, the UPDF Spokesperson says that the sanctions against Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu are his personal problem, and do not affect the UPDF!” wrote Bobi Wine.
“Each day, you have a choice to serve the people of Uganda or to observe Gen. Museveni’s unlawful orders and deal with the consequences individually.” He Added.
Echoing his sentiments expressed during the UK sanctions announcement against Speaker Anita Among on April 30th, 2024, Bobi Wine a few days ago wholeheartedly welcomed the US sanctions. He viewed them as a crucial step towards instilling humility among those who flagrantly violate human rights in Uganda.
In a statement, Bobi Wine emphasized the significance of the US sanctions against Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, the former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces responsible for commanding the lethal operation in Kasese in 2016. He expressed gratitude towards the US government for heeding the cries of the oppressed people of Uganda.
“Very significantly, the USA has also announced sanctions against Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu (the immediate past Deputy Chief of Defence Forces) who commanded the killing of over 150 Ugandans in Kasese in 2016. We Welcome these sanctions and appreciate the Government of the United States for listening to the cry of the oppressed people of Uganda” – Bobi Wine’s statement partly reads.
Furthermore, the infamous 2016 Kasese Massacre has resurfaced, casting a shadow over Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, who has also been targeted by US sanctions for his involvement in the attack that resulted in numerous casualties and the arrest of hundreds, including King Wesley Mumbere.
In response to the sanctions, Deputy Army spokesperson Col Deo Akiiki stated, “These sanctions affect Gen Elwelu as an individual and are therefore of no consequence to the institution of the UPDF and indeed to the country.”
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