UPDF suspends all military cooperation with Turkey
The measure will remain in force "until outstanding issues of mutual defence and military cooperation between the two countries are resolved", says Col Chris Magezi.
Col Chris Magezi is the acting director of defence public information in Uganda's defence ministry. (New Vision file)
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DIPLOMACY
The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) on Saturday (September 19) announced the immediate suspension and withdrawal of any defence and military cooperation with the Republic of Turkey.
Acting Director Defence Public Information in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF, Col Chris Magezi in a statement said the measure will remain in force "until outstanding issues of mutual defence and military cooperation between the two countries are resolved".
The announcement comes a day after the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba thanked the thousands of supporters of Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) who marched to the Turkish Embassy in Kampala demanding that Ankara hands over Ugandan activist and government critic Fred Kajubi Lumbuye to face criminal charges in Uganda.
“They proved that they have the spirit of lions. The Turks will comply with all our demands. If they don't, life will become untenable for them in Uganda,” said the CDF.
On Saturday, Kainerugaba warned that “being an apologist for Turkey in Uganda is a crime. We shall start arresting anyone who speaks for that country”.
Led by PLU secretary general Fadil Twalla, Friday's demonstration followed a directive by PLU chairman Kainerugaba, who has repeatedly demanded Lumbuye’s return from Turkey.
“Today was about Lumbuye. You can’t attack our country, which is very peaceful, from Turkey. We want him to come back to Uganda to answer the criminal charges against him,” Twalla told the crowd.
The protesters accused Turkey of harbouring a Ugandan citizen wanted by authorities and called on Ankara to respect Uganda’s sovereignty and judicial system.
Twalla revealed that they had asked Turkish authorities to extradite Lumbuye and opposed what the group described as his reported attempt to seek asylum in Turkey.
“We asked them to extradite Lumbuye as soon as possible if they truly value our bilateral relations with them and respect our sovereignty,” said Twalla, warning that PLU could organise a larger demonstration if Turkey does not act.
Lumbuye
Lumbuye has lived in Turkey for several years, from where the Ugandan government accuses him of using dangerous propaganda to incite the public and attack key government officials, including President Yoweri Museveni and the CDF Kainerugaba.
In 2021, the Uganda Police Force said it had opened 15 case files against him, while the Director of Public Prosecutions sanctioned charges, including spreading harmful propaganda, incitement to violence and offensive communication.
Lumbuye was arrested in Turkey in August 2021 amid an attempted deportation, but he was later released and remained in Turkey.
The PLU demonstration came in the wake of tensions between the two countries, especially after Turkey's recent interventions in Somalia, which has since drawn criticism from Kainerugaba.
Uganda was the first country to deploy in Somalia and has maintained a military presence in the country since 2007, playing a key role in African Union-backed operations against Al-Shabaab.
Turkey, which came in recently, has since developed extensive security and economic ties with Somalia, including military training and investment in strategic infrastructure.
The two had met earlier in July at Museveni’s Kisozi Farm in Gomba district.
Museveni said the two had discussed “issues of mutual interest for the benefit of our peoples".
What is at stake?
On Friday, the Turkish Embassy in Kampala remained closed as thousands protested outside its premises.
Relations between Turkey and Uganda have been developing steadily as a result of high-level visits between the two countries and the willingness of both countries to work together.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Uganda between in mid-2016, a historic trip that served to bolster the ties between the two countries.
But with the latest developments, both sides lose advantages due to the suspended ties.
Uganda forgoes Turkish training programmes, special forces exchanges, counter-IED and cyber support, plus potential tech transfer and a local manufacturing hub.
Turkey loses an East African partner for equipment sales and influence.