“When it comes to unity, we must come out strongly as an ethnicity to demand justice for our people.”
That was the strong message from Kibale County Member of Parliament, Hon. Okwii Constantine, as he addressed thousands of mourners at the burial of 89-year-old Anna Amulen of Opadoi-Apetet Village, Akisim Sub-county, Pallisa District, on Sunday.
Although Mama Amulen had limited formal education, her love for education was legendary. Her son, Edward Akais, told mourners that their mother valued schooling so much that she ensured all her children and grandchildren received an education, with most now well-positioned in society.
Akais said that sacrifice explained why multitudes turned up to give her a befitting send-off. He added that his mother was so interested in her family’s progress that she only needed to know the positions attained by her children up to the third generation.
However, from the sombre burial emerged a political rallying call for an entire ethnic community.
Turning to the unfolding security situation in the region, Okwii urged the Iteso to put aside their internal differences whenever one of their own is singled out on unclear grounds.
He said the arrest of Gen. Peter Elwelu last week had left people in the Teso sub-region feeling threatened and anxious, making unity more important than ever.
Okwii, who addressed mourners before speaking in an exclusive interview, called for calm among the people of Pallisa and the wider Teso region as they follow developments surrounding Elwelu’s detention.
“There is no need for silence, but there should be calmness as the security issue of Gen. Elwelu is handled. In his fatherly kindness, we are certain President Yoweri Museveni will make a proper decision over this matter, because when he met with cultural leaders of Kumam and Teso, it showed a green light,” Okwii said.
He added that he did not regret speaking out, maintaining that his remarks were within his fundamental rights and the law.
Back in Kibale County, Okwii’s bold stance has earned him applause, with some residents describing him as one of the few leaders in Pallisa who have openly joined their Teso counterparts in demanding justice for Elwelu.
Mr Opatana Albert said Pallisa had often remained silent when sensitive issues affected the Teso community, despite expecting to benefit from programmes designed for the region.
“I am seeing the reason why we were not considered to benefit from cattle restocking, because we don’t show solidarity with Teso. I appreciate the feelings Hon. Okwii has shown to make all of us unite for a common goal as one Ateker tribe,” Opatana said.
Okwii’s call for unity comes at a time when the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, has finally broken his silence on the matter.
Appearing on Etop Radio over the weekend, one of the most listened-to radio stations in Eastern Uganda, Okiding gave a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding Elwelu’s arrest.
He confirmed that the retired general was being held at Makindye Military Barracks in Kampala, where he would remain as investigations continued into allegations of rebel recruitment.
Okiding revealed that Elwelu was first taken to Ateker Villas Hotel in Soroti City after being located following a search that lasted more than two weeks. He was subsequently transferred to Kampala.
The Deputy CDF assured the public that Elwelu was safe, adding that he was allowed to retain his personal bodyguard, who serves as his cook. He further said that the general’s family, friends and political associates were permitted to visit him three days a week.
Okiding described the operation to apprehend Elwelu as one of the most difficult assignments of his military career because of their shared Teso background. However, he said his position required him to execute orders regardless of personal relationships.
He explained that the investigation began in August 2026 after parents in Kapelebyong District reported that about 84 boys had disappeared after allegedly being promised jobs in cement factories in Karamoja and Soroti.
Okiding said he enlisted the assistance of former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, and Police Director of Crime Intelligence, Brig. Gen. Chris Damulira, to help locate Elwelu after his phones were switched off and his homes in Soroti were found empty.
He added that investigators eventually traced the retired general through his church networks.
Okiding also dismissed remarks by former minister Musa Ecweru, who had called for a manhunt for Elwelu, saying the comments represented Ecweru’s personal views.
He further disclosed that an unnamed minister from Teso had reported at a high-level government and security meeting that a rebel group had been formed in the region with the intention of overthrowing the government, and that Elwelu was among those implicated.
As Pallisa lays its matriarch to rest, a wider debate over ethnic unity, justice and the fate of Gen. Elwelu continues to unfold.