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Naira appreciates against dollar at official FX market

The Nigerian naira appreciated against the United States (US) dollar, trading at N1,346.9108, at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official foreign exchange (FX) window, on Thursday, October 29th 2026.

The data shared on the CBN’s official platform shows that the naira traded at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) rate of N1,346.9108 per dollar and closed at N1,346.0000 per dollar.

The currency, which traded at an NFEM rate of N1,347.5259 on October 28th, 2026, appreciated by at least N0.62 after trading activities on Thursday.

At the parallel market, the buying rate decreased by N3, while the selling rate decreased by N4, when compared to the previous trading rate on Wednesday, October 28th, 2026.

According to Aboki FX , the Naira-to-dollar exchange rate at the black market on Thursday, October 29th, 2026, was N1,385 and N1,392 per dollar for buying and selling rates, respectively.

Namal money laundering case put off to Feb., pending AG’s advice

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday ordered that the money laundering case against MP Namal Rajapaksa and three others, involving Rs. 15 million, be called again on 11 February, 2027.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama made the order after the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) Financial Crimes Division told the court that extracts of the investigation had been sent to the Attorney General for legal advice. The CID sought a further date to obtain the Attorney General’s instructions.

The Magistrate directed investigators to report on the progress of the investigation on 11 February.

The case concerns allegations that Rs. 15 million believed to have been obtained through illicit means was invested in N.R. Consultancy Company, an offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Investigations began after Anti-Corruption Voice Convener Wasantha Samarasinghe lodged a complaint with the Financial Crimes Division on 28 July, 2015, alleging criminal misappropriation and money laundering.

The case has been filed against Rajapaksa, Nithya Senani Samaranayake, Sujani Bogollagama and Sudarshana Bandara Ganegoda. Rajapaksa had not been ordered to appear in court yesterday, while the other three suspects appeared before the Magistrate.

CFA Society Sri Lanka names Dialog Axiata as subject company for 2026/27 Research Challenge

CFA Society Sri Lanka yesterday announced that Dialog Axiata PLC has been selected as the subject company for the 20th Annual CFA Institute Research Challenge Sri Lanka competition for the year 2026-2027, with the local finals scheduled for January 2027.

The CFA Institute Research Challenge is a premier global competition designed to nurture the principles of excellence, ethical integrity, and professionalism in equity research among university students. It offers participants hands-on mentoring and rigorous training, enabling them to gain real-world experience in financial analysis and valuation.

Each year, distinguished investment professionals guide student teams as they conduct comprehensive research and develop investment recommendations on a publicly listed company. Last year’s global participation exceeded 8,000 students from 1,200 universities across nearly 100 countries, with winning university teams advancing through sub-regional, regional, and global stages under the governance of CFA Institute.

Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief Operating Officer Lim Li San said: ‘We are honoured to be the subject company for this year’s CFA Institute Research Challenge Sri Lanka. As a leading connectivity provider and enabler of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, Dialog is committed to innovation, excellence and creating long-term value. Supporting the Research Challenge is a natural extension of this commitment, giving future investment professionals an opportunity to strengthen their analytical skills and uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. We are encouraged by the growing calibre of Sri Lankan participants and wish all teams every success. We look forward to seeing their ideas and insights, and to seeing Sri Lankan talent represented on the global stage.’

Dialog Axiata PLC is Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider and a member of the Axiata Group Berhad. Through its leadership in mobile, fixed broadband, digital television, enterprise solutions, international connectivity, fintech, and digital services, Dialog has played a pivotal role in enriching Sri Lankan lives and enterprises and advancing the country’s digital economy for over two decades. The Group continues to invest in next-generation infrastructure, innovation, and digital inclusion, enabling millions of Sri Lankans and businesses to connect, transact, and thrive in an increasingly digital world. Recognised for its responsible market leadership, technological innovation, and commitment to sustainable value creation, Dialog is Sri Lanka’s largest listed company on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and a benchmark for corporate excellence in Sri Lanka.

The response to this year’s competition has been remarkable, with 25 teams from leading state and non-state universities in Sri Lanka selected to participate. Each team will submit an equity research report and present a final recommendation based on an in-depth analysis of Dialog Axiata PLC. Shortlisted teams will present and defend their findings before a distinguished panel at the local finals in January 2027. The winning teams will advance to represent Sri Lanka in the sub-regional round of the global competition.

El Nino: Lagos warns residents of extreme heat, heatstroke, worsening air quality

The Lagos State Government has warned residents to prepare for possible extreme heat conditions, rising temperatures and deteriorating air quality as climate concerns linked to the El Niño pattern raise the risk of unusual weather conditions across parts of Africa, including Nigeria.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the advisory on Friday, urging residents to adopt preventive measures to protect their health and minimise exposure to heat-related illnesses.

Wahab explained that the strengthening El Niño climate pattern, alongside the seasonal transition into the dry season, could contribute to unusually high temperatures, prolonged dry spells, increased dust levels and worsening air quality.

Although the severity and local effects would depend on prevailing weather conditions, he said residents should take the emerging climate risks seriously and prepare adequately.

The commissioner noted that Lagos, as a densely populated and rapidly urbanising coastal city, could be particularly vulnerable to extreme heat because of its concentration of buildings, roads and other heat-absorbing infrastructure.

He explained that limited green spaces and inadequate ventilation in some neighbourhoods could intensify the urban heat effect, making temperatures particularly uncomfortable in densely populated communities and informal settlements.

Wahab warned that prolonged exposure to excessive heat could lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which could have serious health consequences if not promptly addressed.

He identified children, older persons, pregnant women, outdoor workers, street traders, construction workers, waste handlers and people with underlying health conditions as particularly vulnerable.

He urged families, employers, schools and community leaders to pay special attention to these groups and ensure that appropriate protective measures were put in place.

The commissioner also warned that extreme heat could worsen existing air-quality challenges, particularly during the dry season when increased dust and haze could aggravate respiratory conditions.

He added that increased dependence on petrol- and diesel-powered generators during power interruptions could further contribute to local air pollution.

Wahab consequently advised residents to avoid open burning of refuse and adopt environmentally responsible practices to reduce pollution.

He recommended drinking sufficient water regularly, wearing lightweight and breathable clothing, seeking shade and well-ventilated spaces, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest periods of the day.

He also called on schools, markets, workplaces and other public facilities to provide adequate ventilation, drinking water and shaded areas where people could take breaks.

On recognising heat-related illnesses, the commissioner urged residents to watch out for symptoms such as excessive sweating, dizziness, headaches, weakness, nausea and muscle cramps.

He advised that anyone experiencing these symptoms should be moved to a cooler environment, given appropriate cooling assistance and taken for medical attention where necessary.

‘Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness should be treated as medical emergencies requiring immediate attention,’ he said.

Wahab further advised people living with respiratory conditions to limit exposure to dusty environments and follow relevant health and air-quality advisories.

The advisory comes amid growing concerns over the health and environmental implications of rising temperatures, particularly in urban centres where population density and infrastructure can intensify exposure to extreme heat.

Police arrest NSCDC officer for allegedly firing gunshots in Abuja market

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Onoja Samuel, for allegedly firing gunshots into the air at Kubwa Market in Abuja.

The officer, a Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC), was arrested on Wednesday after a distress call reported that a man armed with a pistol was shooting sporadically at the market, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, said.

Sanusi disclosed this while briefing journalists at the command headquarters, adding that the incident occurred at about 1:50 p.m. on October 28, 2026.

He said police operatives attached to the Kubwa Division were immediately deployed to the scene and apprehended the suspect.

According to the commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that Samuel had gone to the market armed with a pistol following reports that some traders had assaulted his wife.

‘During an ensuing argument with the traders, Onoja Samuel, who is a DSC with the NSCDC, fired several shots into the air,’ Sanusi said.

He added that the police recovered a CZ pistol and 17 rounds of live 9mm ammunition from the suspect during his arrest.

Sanusi said the suspect remained in police custody and would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

The commissioner urged personnel of sister security agencies to exercise restraint and notify the police divisions responsible for areas where they intend to conduct authorised operations within the FCT.

He said such coordination was necessary to prevent avoidable clashes and ensure the safety of residents.

Police detain 12-year-old boy over defiling toddler in Pallisa

Police in Pallisa District are investigating a case of aggravated defilement after a 12-year-old primary school pupil allegedly sexually assaulted a two-year-old girl in Nansenyi Cell, Kaucho Ward, Pallisa Town Council.

The distressing incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, October 28, 2026, when the toddler’s mother briefly left her daughter under the juvenile’s care to buy food items from the nearby Pallisa Market.

Upon returning to her house shortly after midday, the mother noticed the children’s sandals left outside the doorway, which prompted her to investigate further. According to police reports, when she pulled back the doorway curtain, she discovered the 12-year-old boy on top of her young daughter, with both children’s clothing removed.

Bukedi North Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Wilfred Kyempasa revealed that the case was formally reported to Pallisa Police Station under SD Reference 60/28/10/2026 and officially recorded as CRB 508/2026.

“A team of female police officers, alongside a midwife, conducted an initial examination of the child and observed clear signs of sexual assault on her private parts,” ASP Kyempasa said.

The suspect, whose name is withheld because he is a minor, is a pupil at Valley View Primary School and a resident of the same neighborhood. He was immediately taken into custody at Pallisa Police Station where he remains detained as law enforcement officers carry out further inquiries.

“We have already recorded statements from the victim’s mother as well as the juvenile suspect, and we have gathered preliminary statements from key witnesses,” ASP Kyempasa added. “Our investigators are now arranging for the victim to undergo formal medical evaluation using Police Form 3A, while the suspect will undergo a age and mental assessment using Police Form 24A.”

98% of pre-trial detainees’ households lose income – report

Nearly 98 per cent of households whose members are held in pre-trial detention suffer income disruptions, with many forced to borrow money or sell assets to survive, a new report has revealed.

The report, titled “Beyond the Cell: The Hidden Socio-Economic Costs of Pre-Trial Detention in Uganda”, highlights the economic and social consequences of detaining suspects before their cases are concluded in court.

It shows that prolonged detention not only affects the suspects but also exposes their families to financial hardship, indebtedness and the loss of productive assets, even in cases where the accused may eventually be released without conviction.

‘Before arrest, many respondents depended on agricultural farming, small businesses, and casual labour and transport-related activities requiring regular personal participation. Among affected households, 98 per cent reported income disruption, 64 per cent resorted to borrowing and 27 per cent sold assets,’ the report released in Kampala on Wednesday states in part.

‘These findings demonstrate how detention-related income loss can translate into indebtedness, depletion of productive resources and difficulties recovering after release. The consequences may continue even where detention ultimately ends without a conviction,’ it adds.

The study was conducted by Avocats Sans Frontières and the Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET) across 10 districts: Kampala, Wakiso, Gulu, Kitgum, Lamwo, Hoima, Kiryandongo, Masindi, Arua and Yumbe. It drew on 428 participants.

Beyond the financial implications, the report highlights the impact of prolonged detention on children and other household members, particularly where the detained person is the family’s breadwinner.

It indicates that 91 per cent of households with children reported adverse effects on them, including emotional distress, stigma, school absenteeism, the risk of dropping out of school and instances of child labour.

‘Community respondents described emotional distress, stigma, school absenteeism, risks of school dropout and instances of child labour,’ the report states.

The findings raise concerns about the wider social costs of holding suspects in custody for extended periods before their cases are concluded.

Some suspects reportedly spend years in detention awaiting the conclusion of their cases, with the consequences extending beyond the individual to families that depend on them for their livelihoods.

Before their arrest, farming was the most commonly reported occupation, accounting for 23 per cent of respondents, followed by self-employment or business at 21.3 per cent. Casual labour accounted for 5.2 per cent, while domestic or care work represented 1.1 per cent.

The alleged offences varied, with theft accounting for the largest share at 33 per cent, followed by sexual offences at 17 per cent, murder at 13 per cent, robbery at 12 per cent and assault at seven per cent.

Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe, who officially launched the report, said its findings should inform policy decisions, institutional practices and resource allocation aimed at strengthening accountability across the justice chain.

He emphasised the need to ensure that pre-trial detention complies with constitutional safeguards, including the protection of personal liberty, the right to a fair and speedy hearing, and the presumption of innocence.

‘Our starting point must be in the Constitution of Uganda. Protect personal liberty, guarantee a fair and speedy hearing and the presumption of innocence. These guarantees require that detention before trial and the full proceedings be concluded without undue delay,’ Justice Kazibwe said.

He said the constitutional protections require justice institutions to ensure that criminal proceedings are concluded without unnecessary delays.

Speaking at the same event, Dr Katja Kerschbaumer, the head of the Austrian Embassy’s Development Cooperation, said whenever pre-trial detention is used, it must be lawful, necessary, proportionate and consistent with Uganda’s Constitution.

‘We are aware that Uganda has clearly established legal procedures governing arrest, detention and the treatment of pre-trial detainees. In our understanding, this is the very essence of the rule of law; that public authorities act within the framework established by law and the citizens can rely on legal certainty and equal treatment,’ Dr Kerschbaumer said.

Some of the recommendations in the report are to shift legal aid upstream, prioritising police stations, police custody and first court appearances rather than waiting until an accused person is already sent on remand.

Jilted lover docked for allegedly assaulting girlfriend

A 29 year-old man, Yusuf Ajisafe was on Wednesday docked in a Mapo Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan for allegedly beating up and inflicting injuries on his girlfriend who terminated their relationship.

Ajisafe pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of malicious damage, assault and escape from lawful custody.

The prosecution counsel, Insp Ayodele Ayeni told the court that the defendant committed the crime on Oct. 15, at about 4.30 p.m., at Idiaro area in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Ayeni stated that Ajisafe allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, Titiloye Balogun after she informed him that she was no longer interested in the relationship.

The police alleged that the defendant also inflicted injuries on Balogun using a sharp object and also destroyed goods in her shop worth N300,000.

Ayeni explained that Ajisafe escaped from police custody where he was being held, but was rearrested after an intense search.

He noted that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 451 and 249 of the criminal code cap 38 vol. ii laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.

The court’s President, Mrs O.E. Owoseni, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum.

Owoseni said that one of the sureties must be a relative. She adjourned the matter until Dec. 10 for trial.

Nasarawa North: Gov Sule, Maku battle 10 candidates

The 2027 Nasarawa North Senatorial election which is featuring Governor Abdullahi Sule, former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku and 10 other candidates is attracting more attention than the two other senatorial districts of South and West in the state, due to the involvement of the state governor in the race.

Governor Sule, having secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket is set to slug it out with eleven other candidates in the 583 polling units of the three local government areas that constitute the Nasarawa North Senatorial District: Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba.

The contest has become a political barometer for the APC in Nasarawa State, given that the governor is personally on the ballot, and for the opposition, which sees the zone as its traditional stronghold to prove its resurgence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In the array of candidates as finally listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, apart from Governor Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressives Congress, are former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku of the Labour Party, Madaki Banbella Anthony of the Peoples Democratic Party, Innocent Daniel Lagi of the Allied Peoples Movement, Duba Ishaya Dodo of the Social Democratic Party, Mohammed Steve Alaku of the African Democratic Congress and Yusuf Awuya of the Action Democratic Party.

Others are Victor Affiku Tsaku of the Action Alliance, Amos Jugbo Yusuf of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Johnson Bulus of the National Rescue Movement, Danladi Njehntegazoka James of the National Democratic Congress and Paul Isaac Audu of the Young Progressives Party.

A political analyst, Lazarus Salaki of the Nasarawa State Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance Group, said the 2027 Nasarawa North Senatorial election will be very competitive and won by a slim margin.

Describing the zone as dicey and complicated, Salaki said elections there are highly localized, with a history of sharing positions between Akwanga and Nasarawa Eggon.

He said the power of incumbency will play out for Governor Sule, followed by Maku and Barrister Lagi, with votes shared among the 12 contenders.

Salaki noted that resources will be decisive, adding that Maku will leverage his regional acceptability. He attributed APC’s victory in the 2026 bye-election, a departure from history where ruling parties lost in the zone, to massive deployment of resources to replace late Senator Akwashiki.

He said Maku came distant second due to lack of resources to match government influence, but stressed that politics is dynamic.

On religion and ethnicity, Salaki said they will not play major roles, as families in the zone have both Christians and Muslims and vote across faith lines. He added that Nasarawa Eggon results usually come first, while rural votes from Farin Ruwa and Mada Station often determine the winner.

A zone known for upsets

Our correspondent recalls thar since 1999, both the ruling and opposition parties have won the seat at different times depending on the political alignment of the people of the senatorial district, where they have a gentleman agreement to rotate the Senate seat among the three local government areas.

Late Patrick Aga won on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, platform in 1999 and John Danboyi won in 2003 on the same platform. Patricia Akwashiki won in 2007 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, banner as opposition. Yusuf Musa Nagogo won under the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, banner in 2011 as opposition but his victory was upturned by the Court and the late Solomon Ewuga was declared the winner of that election.

Philip Aruwa Gyunka won with the PDP ticket in 2015 as opposition. The Godiya Akwashiki won with the APC ticket in 2019 as ruling party and in 2023 as opposition under the SDP but passed on before he could complete the term. Few months ago, Halilu Danladi Envulu-Anza won the bye-election of 2026 for the ruling APC and replaced the late Akwashiki who died in December last year.

A look at the political history of the zone shows that it does not vote on party leanings alone, but on personality, ethnic balancing, religious sensitivity and the political mood of the time.

The 2027 calculations

Some of the 2027 senatorial candidates like Maku of Labour Party, Alaku of ADC and Dodo of SDP participated in the 2026 senatorial bye-election and were defeated by Envulu-Anza who is now not in the race with them, but they are contesting against the incumbent Governor Sule who is from the same APC with Envulu-Anza. Even though they have rejected the outcome of that bye-election alleging irregularities in the process, the bye-election has given them grassroots exposure that they intend to leverage upon.

Analysts say as the zone is constituted of different ethnic and religious groups with candidates from both faiths banking on different influences in the area to give them an edge, it is not easy to conclude who will carry the day.

Nasarawa North is predominantly Eggon, Mada, Rindre and other smaller groups.

If the influence of the candidates is to be reckoned with, Sule is expected to showcase his project distribution across the senatorial district, political appointments in his government and those he influenced at the federal level, civil servants recruited from the area, as well as his relationship with traditional institutions and stakeholders in the area.

Also, the nomination of the APC governorship running mate Emmanuel Ombugadu from the largest ethnic group of the zone, the Eggon, may also influence the chances of Governor Sule, as it is expected to deliver large votes from Eggon land if properly managed.

Governor Sule’s biggest asset is incumbency. As sitting governor, he controls the state machinery and also facilitated federal appointments for sons and daughters of the zone. His supporters argue that electing him as Senator will give the zone a ranking voice in the National Assembly, given his experience as governor.

However, his biggest liability is also incumbency. In a zone known for anti-establishment voting, there is a sentiment that the governor should have allowed power to rotate freely, especially after the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki. Some stakeholders in Wamba and Akwanga feel the senatorial ticket should remain in their axis for equity.

Labaran Maku of the Labour Party remains Governor Sule’s most formidable opponent. Maku was a Commissioner, Deputy Governor of the state and later Minister of Information. Holding these positions attracted people to him which also gives him popularity in the state particularly from the senatorial district where he hails from.

Like Governor Sule, Maku facilitated employment of hundreds of youths from the state many of whom are from the Senatorial district. This made him a household name and many people believe it has also given him popularity which can help to boost his chances in the election. Maku contested in 2015 and 2019 for governorship and in 2026 for senatorial seat bye election, building a resilient political structure. His strength does not only lie in Nasarawa Eggon where he is seen as a son of the soil but across the senatorial district and his national visibility as former Information Minister gives him leverage.

Another candidate is Duba Ishaya Dodo of the SDP, an architect, philanthropist, and politician. He is a prominent grassroots mobilizer and his influence in the upcoming election is relying on scholarship programmes that provided educational funding and support to hundreds of underprivileged students across Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon, and Wamba local government areas. He has also provided financial grants to support orphans in local schools.

Dodo has funded several community infrastructure repairs. Notably, he personally sponsored the restoration of a solar-powered grid in the Ningo Sambe community after a devastating two-year blackout. As a young politician, his challenge is how acceptable he is to the old stakeholders even if he has the support of youths and women that he is assisting. His youth appeal could split the votes that would have gone to Sule and Maku.

Another candidate, Barrister Innocent Daniel Lagi of the APM, is a prominent Nigerian lawyer, human rights activist, and politician. He is best known for serving as the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Nasarawa State under the administration of Governor Umaru Al-Makura. He represented Wamba Constituency as a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly between 2008 and 2011.

As a rights crusader, Barrister Lagi is said to have provided pro-bono legal representation for over 300 unjustly dismissed workers and union members from various federal and state parastatals. He has collaborated extensively with legal and electoral reform civil societies, including Access to Justice and the Network of University Legal Aid Institutions.

But his performance in the upcoming election, analysts believe, can be determined by the level at which he reaches out to the electorate. Lagi is respected among the educated elite and in Wamba, his home base, which is considered a swing local government.

The ADC candidate, Mohammed Steve Alaku, is a seasoned Nigerian technocrat, community leader, and politician. Alaku was in the Public Service and served for over 34 years at the Department of Petroleum Resources where he rose to the position of Deputy Director and Head of Downstream Monitoring and Regulations.

Outside of formal governance, Alaku is widely recognized in his local community as a philanthropist. His notable community interventions include funding local water projects, boosting youth education, upgrading rural healthcare access, and personally facilitating the installation of electricity poles and wiring in parts of Mada Station.

What will decide the contest

Analysts point at different factors. The zone for instance has difficult terrains and riverine settlements that were recently affected by flooding. Ability to mobilize voters on election day will be key.

Many believe that if Eggon votes split between Sule’s APC, Maku’s Labour Party, and Dodo’s SDP, Wamba and Akwanga could decide the winner. In other words, ‘whoever gets the buy-in of traditional rulers in Akwanga and Nasarawa Eggon will have an upper hand,’ said an analyst. With 12 candidates in the race, vote splitting is inevitable.

Former Arrow Boys commander warns hiding Lt Gen Elwelu to surrender or face security forces

Tensions are escalating in the Teso sub-region after former State Minister for Works and former Arrow Boys commander Musa Ecweru issued a strict 24-hour ultimatum to retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu to surrender to authorities or risk being hunted down and killed by security forces.

Addressing a press conference in Soroti City, Mr Ecweru-who lost his Amuria County parliamentary seat in the last election after serving four terms-warned that any attempt to launch a rebellion or destabilize peace in Teso would face decisive force. He urged the former Deputy Commander of Defence Forces (CDF) to abandon any alleged subversive plans immediately.

“My prayer to him is that if it is true, he should abandon that prayer before evening today,” Mr Ecweru said. He advised Lt Gen Elwelu, if fearful of harassment by law enforcement, to report to respected religious and political leaders such as the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Right Reverend Joseph Oliach Eciru, or Vice President Jessica Alupo to facilitate a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni to request a pardon.

Mr Ecweru confirmed that members of the former Arrow Boys reserve force would join the police, internal security, and military units starting tomorrow to hunt down the retired general. Drawing a direct parallel to the late Smith Oponacak, who was killed by security forces after attempting to start an armed rebellion, Mr Ecweru warned that a similar fate awaits Lt Gen Elwelu if he refuses to surrender when cornered. He also noted that several missing youth in the region are suspected to have been lured into subversive activities and trafficked to western Uganda, promising to reveal their names on Monday.

However, Mr Ecweru’s hostile posture has drawn heavy backlash from local residents and community leaders, who accuse him of political opportunism and framing a retired military officer to gain state favor following his electoral defeat.

Samuel Ariko, a retired teacher, questioned the legal authority under which Mr Ecweru is operating and defended Lt Gen Elwelu’s record as a loyal officer to President Museveni. He questioned why treason accusations are surfacing now, suggesting the pushback against Elwelu stems from his alleged opposition to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) agenda. Local resident Hellen Apiding urged independent security agencies to investigate the matter without bias, warning against using threats to persecute political opponents or disrupt civilian life.

The public threats follow confirmation from family members that Lt Gen Elwelu went into hiding earlier this year due to severe fears for his personal safety. Relatives revealed that the retired general noticed unknown individuals tracking his movements at his primary residence in Awoja, Soroti District, and his ancestral home in Anyara Village, Kalaki District, forcing him to avoid community gatherings and retreat from his security detail.

Since January, security operations targeting Elwelu have intensified, resulting in the arrest of his personal drivers, wife, and members of his security detail, along with the seizure of electronic devices. The operational dynamic worsened following social media statements by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who described Elwelu as a traitor, claimed security forces recovered arms from his house, and asserted that Elwelu had been demoted to the rank of Private.

Family members have strongly denied the weapons recovery claims, describing them as an orchestrated attempt to destroy the general’s legacy after years of dedicated service. The underlying rift between Gen Muhoozi and Lt Gen Elwelu traces back to their time sharing high command responsibilities, during which disagreements over administrative protocols required direct intervention from President Museveni. Elwelu was subsequently reassigned to a presidential advisor role before formally retiring from active military service in August 2025.

In Soroti, neighbors in Awoja confirmed that the general has been absent for months, noting that his weekly gospel broadcasts on local radio ended abruptly around the same time.

Gen Muhoozi’s public claim that Lt Gen Elwelu was summary-demoted to the rank of Private faces strong legal hurdles under Ugandan military law. Under the UPDF Act (Cap. 330), as amended by the UPDF (Amendment) Act 2025, a commissioned general officer cannot be stripped of rank or demoted through executive statements or administrative directives. Legal provisions strictly require a formal trial, conviction, and sentencing by a competent Court Martial, which must subsequently be confirmed by the High Command.

Regional political leaders, including Members of Parliament from Teso, have declined to issue official statements regarding the standoff, maintaining that military directives issued over social media platforms require formal clarification from the Executive branch or the Ministry of Defence before Parliament can respond. Meanwhile, the Paramount Chief of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, has requested additional time to monitor the situation before issuing a formal guidance to the region.