Uganda’s military has announced an immediate suspension of all defence and military cooperation with Germany, accusing Berlin’s ambassador to Kampala, Mathias Schauer, of involvement in activities deemed subversive to the East African nation.
In a statement posted on social media platform X on Sunday, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson, Chris Magezi, confirmed the abrupt decision.
“The Uganda People’s Defence Forces has with immediate effect suspended all ongoing defence and military cooperation activities with the Federal Republic of Germany,” Magezi stated, attributing the move to “credible intelligence reports that the current German Ambassador to Uganda His Excellency Mathias Schauer is actively engaged in subversive activities in the country.”
However, the statement offered no further details about the alleged activities or the specific nature of military collaboration between the two countries.
Germany’s embassy in Kampala has yet to issue a formal response, and attempts to reach Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs were unsuccessful, with the spokesperson reportedly unreachable by phone.
The development is likely to draw attention across diplomatic circles, particularly within the European Union (EU), of which Germany is a key member. Uganda contributes troops to the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (ATMIS), a mission partially funded by the EU. It is unclear how the suspension may affect Uganda’s role in this mission or broader EU-Africa defence relations.
Commenting on the matter via X, Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, distanced the decision from the German populace, framing it as a personal issue with Ambassador Schauer.
“It has to do with him as a person. He is wholly unqualified to be in Uganda. It has nothing to do with the great German people,” Kainerugaba wrote.
Kainerugaba, widely seen as the President’s heir apparent, is known for his outspoken and often provocative presence on social media. Earlier this month, he sparked controversy after warning the European Union was “playing with fire” following a meeting between EU ambassadors and Uganda’s main opposition party, the National Unity Platform, led by Bobi Wine.
The military’s statement has raised fresh concerns about diplomatic tensions between Uganda and Western nations, particularly around the country’s handling of internal political dissent and foreign engagement.
As of now, the full extent and implications of Uganda’s decision remain unclear, pending official responses from German authorities and possible follow-up from the EU.
Melissa Enoch
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