SOROTI, Uganda — Leaders from the Teso sub-region have called for calm and a transparent inquiry following the arrest of former Deputy CDF Peter Elwelu over security-related allegations by the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).

Soroti City West MP and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs-designate Calvin Echodu said the reported possibility of an insurgency emerging in Teso had shocked many people in the region, prompting calls from opinion and political leaders seeking clarification.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Echodu said he had received several calls from leaders in Teso and Eastern Uganda expressing concern over the matter.

He said he and other senior leaders had begun consultations with responsible institutions to establish the details and magnitude of the alleged security threat.

Echodu added that they had also informed President Yoweri Museveni about the concerns of the people of Teso.

“On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Eastern Uganda, we call upon the population in Teso and Uganda at large to remain calm as we continue engaging the responsible authorities on this matter of public interest,” Echodu said.

He urged the public to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could unnecessarily alarm communities in the region.

The MP said leaders and residents of Teso were looking forward to a speedy and transparent inquiry into the matter.

Elwelu's arrest was announced on Monday evening by UPDF spokesperson Col Chris Magezi, who said the former UPDF officer was wanted over alleged subversive activities and plans to destabilise Teso.

Magezi also said security forces had recently recovered 15 guns, military fatigues and two pickup trucks allegedly in Elwelu's possession.

He said Elwelu would be charged and prosecuted in court.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and authorities have not yet publicly disclosed further details about the alleged insurgency or the specific charges against Elwelu.