Uganda’s military has suspended defence and military cooperation with Türkiye following a diplomatic dispute involving Ugandan political blogger Fred Lumbuye.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) announced the suspension on Saturday (19 Sep), with army spokesman Colonel Chris Magezi saying the measure would remain in place until “outstanding issues” between the two countries are resolved. The UPDF did not specify the issues behind the decision.
The suspension follows a dispute over Uganda’s demand for Türkiye to extradite Fred Lumbuye, who faces 15 criminal charges in Uganda, including allegations of incitement to violence, spreading false information and computer misuse.
Key developments:
- UPDF suspended all defence and military cooperation with Türkiye.
- Uganda and Türkiye have maintained defence ties involving training, technology and security cooperation.
- The move follows protests outside the Turkish embassy in Kampala.
- The directive follows threats to cancel a $3 billion railways contract with Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi, and to expel Turkish nationals from Uganda
The decision adds uncertainty to a relationship that has included military and economic cooperation for nearly a decade.
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