KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s military announced on Sunday the immediate suspension of all ongoing defense and military cooperation with Germany, citing allegations that the German ambassador engaged in “subversive activities” within the East African nation.
Earlier, the Ugandan army had accused certain European embassies of supporting “negative and traitorous groups,” specifically naming German ambassador Matthias Schauer.
This development follows reports that diplomats had voiced criticism regarding the conduct of President Yoweri Museveni’s son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who serves as the head of the army.
Gen. Muhoozi, widely seen as the most probable successor to his 80-year-old father, is known for his often controversial social media presence.
He has frequently issued online threats against opposition figures and recently boasted about kidnapping and torturing the bodyguard of the country’s main opposition leader in his basement.
“The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has with immediate effect suspended all ongoing defence and military cooperation activities with the Federal Republic of Germany,” stated army spokesman Chris Magezi on X.
Separately, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba posted on X: “We are having some issues with the current German ambassador to Uganda.” He further elaborated, “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. Whom I admire a lot.”
European diplomats reportedly raised their concerns about Kainerugaba during a meeting with President Museveni’s brother, Gen. Salim Saleh, earlier in the week. Local media outlets reported that Gen. Saleh pledged to “rein in” the army chief.
Also Read: Gen Saleh assures EU diplomats of safety amidst alleged threats from nephew Gen Muhoozi
Human rights organizations have asserted that the Ugandan government has intensified its crackdown on opponents and critics in the lead-up to elections scheduled for January, where Museveni is expected to seek an extension of his 40-year rule.
Germany and Uganda have a history of long-standing relations, with the German embassy’s website describing the partnership as one of “stability and trust.” Schauer has served as Germany’s ambassador to Uganda since 2020.
Bilateral trade between the two nations reached approximately $335 million last year, according to the German embassy, which noted that Uganda primarily imported “machinery and chemical products.”
