The Ugandan military announced on Saturday the immediate suspension of all defense cooperation with Türkiye, amid political pressure demanding the extradition of an opposition blogger residing in Ankara.
A sudden diplomatic rift has emerged between Kampala and Ankara. Acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, Colonel Chris Magezi, confirmed that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have officially frozen military ties with Türkiye until further notice.
Immediate Freeze on Defense Cooperation
The official statement indicated that the suspension will remain in effect until outstanding issues regarding mutual defense and military cooperation are resolved, without detailing the specific programs affected. The decision potentially impacts key areas including military training, technology transfers, and defense equipment procurement.
The communique was promptly shared by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces, son of President Yoweri Museveni, and leader of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
The Lumbuye Case and Political Tensions
The announcement follows a demonstration by thousands of PLU supporters outside the Turkish Embassy in Kampala. Mobilized under instructions from General Muhoozi, protesters demanded the extradition of Fred Kajubi Lumbuye, a vocal critic of the Ugandan government living in Türkiye who faces around fifteen charges in Uganda.
Beyond the extradition dispute, underlying friction has also mounted over Ankara’s expanding military and commercial influence in Somalia, where the UPDF has been deployed since 2007 under African Union peacekeeping mandates.
Regional Implications
This setback occurs at a time when Uganda serves as a key military player in both the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region. Suspending defense ties deprives Kampala of a major partner in equipment and tactical training, while Ankara faces a temporary strain on its strategic footprint in East Africa.
Turkish authorities have not yet issued an official response to the decision.