Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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Uganda has suspended all defence and military cooperation with Türkiye, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The UPDF announced the decision on Saturday, saying it takes immediate effect and will remain in place until outstanding issues are resolved.
“The Uganda People’s Defence Forces has with immediate effect suspended all and any Defence and Military cooperation with the Republic of Türkiye,” said Col Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information.
The UPDF did not specify the issues behind the decision.
The announcement follows renewed tensions between Kampala and Ankara, including a demonstration by supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) outside the Turkish Embassy in Kampala on Friday.
The protesters demanded the handover of Ugandan social media activist Fred Kajubi Lumbuye, who lives in Türkiye and has repeatedly criticised Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Fred Lumbuye
Gen Muhoozi has previously accused Türkiye of shielding Lumbuye and has made critical statements about Turkish officials and nationals in Uganda.
The dispute also comes amid Türkiye's growing military and economic involvement in Somalia, where Uganda has been a major troop contributor in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Uganda and Türkiye have maintained defence ties involving military training, exchanges and other security cooperation.
The UPDF statement did not clarify which programmes have been suspended or whether Ugandan officers currently undergoing training in Türkiye will be affected.
