Top Story: Uganda Cuts Military Ties with Germany Amid Diplomatic Row
KAMPALA — Uganda’s army has abruptly suspended all military and defense cooperation with Germany, escalating a diplomatic crisis sparked by accusations against Germany’s ambassador, Matthias Schauer. In a rare and sharply worded statement, the Ugandan military accused Schauer of engaging in “subversive activities” and declared him “wholly unqualified” to serve in the East African nation — though it offered no evidence to support the claims.
The suspension marks a dramatic deterioration in relations between the two countries, who have historically cooperated on trade, development, and regional security.
Germany swiftly rejected the accusations. A spokesperson for its foreign ministry called the claims “absurd and without any merit,” according to Reuters.
Tensions appear to have flared after Schauer reportedly voiced concerns during a recent private meeting with EU diplomats, including Uganda’s Gen Salim Saleh, the president’s brother. Schauer is said to have raised alarm over controversial social media posts by army chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the powerful son of President Yoweri Museveni.
Gen Kainerugaba, a polarizing figure seen by many as Museveni’s heir apparent, recently threatened to behead opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, and boasted about torturing the politician’s bodyguard. Human rights groups have long accused the Ugandan government of using violence and intimidation against opposition figures, especially ahead of elections.
Wine is expected to challenge Museveni — who has ruled Uganda for nearly 40 years — in the 2026 presidential race.
In a defiant response posted to X, formerly Twitter, Gen Kainerugaba acknowledged tensions with Ambassador Schauer, writing: “He is wholly unqualified to be in Uganda. It has nothing to do with the great German people, whom I admire a lot.”
Ugandan military spokesperson Col Chris Magezi issued a statement late Sunday announcing the immediate halt of all military cooperation with Germany, citing “credible intelligence” that Schauer was supporting “pseudo political-military forces” opposed to the Ugandan government. No further details were provided.
Germany’s embassy in Uganda noted that bilateral trade reached approximately $335 million in 2024 and described the partnership as grounded in “stability and trust.” However, it has not commented on specific defense ties, which likely include Uganda’s role in regional peacekeeping efforts, such as the African Union mission in Somalia.
The row casts uncertainty over future German-Ugandan cooperation and underscores rising tensions within Uganda’s political and military elite as the country heads toward another high-stakes election.
