Türkiye's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has publicly rebuked Uganda's army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, accusing him of threatening Turkish citizens and diplomats. In a statement dated September 20, 2026, the ministry warned of "dire" consequences if any harm comes to them. This public dressing-down is unusual for a foreign ministry that typically uses diplomatic language. The rebuke has exposed a suspension of military ties between the two countries that, according to Ankara, had already ceased to exist.
The row between Türkiye and Uganda has been escalating since April 2026, when Muhoozi demanded a $1 billion "security dividend" from Ankara over Uganda's military sacrifices in Somalia. He also threatened to shut the Turkish embassy and block Turkish Airlines. Türkiye's ruling AK Party spokesman, Ömer Çelik, replied that Türkiye had no problem with Uganda and that the statement was wrong and must be corrected. Despite this, Muhoozi continued to make provocative statements, including ordering Turkish nationals to leave Uganda within 30 days.
Muhoozi's actions have raised concerns about his conduct and the implications for Uganda's relations with Türkiye. Ankara has characterised Muhoozi's conduct as "narcissistic crimes against humanity," saying it is well recorded and closely followed by the international community. The Turkish ministry also refused to surrender a Ugandan who has sought refuge on its soil, Fred Lumbuye, a blogger and critic of the Museveni government. Lumbuye has been charged with 15 offences in Uganda, including incitement to violence and spreading false information.
The crisis has highlighted the role of Muhoozi, who is widely regarded as a potential successor to his father, President Yoweri Museveni. Muhoozi's actions have been seen as an attempt to run a foreign policy of his own, using the machinery of the army and the street energy of a partisan movement. Uganda's Foreign Ministry and President Museveni have not reiterated the expulsion order as government policy, but the situation remains tense.
The suspension of military ties between Uganda and Türkiye has implications for regional security, particularly in Somalia. Türkiye has spent two decades building an African footprint, including a military training base outside Mogadishu operating since 2017. Turkish officials are wary of anything that makes Kampala's hostility look like a wedge into Mogadishu's security architecture.
Ankara's concern is not just about posturing, but about the safety of its citizens. Hundreds of Turkish nationals live and work in Uganda, and Muhoozi's threats have created a permissive atmosphere in which harm could come to them. The Turkish ministry's warning of "dire" consequences is aimed at putting the responsibility on Muhoozi's desk before anything happens.
Muhoozi has been known to use social media to make provocative statements, only to retreat quietly when the target refuses to blink. However, Ankara has now refused to blink, in public and in writing. This has significant implications for Uganda's relations with Türkiye and for Muhoozi's own position, with questions being raised about his conduct and the implications for Uganda's security and diplomacy.
Key points
- Türkiye has rebuked Uganda's army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, accusing him of threatening Turkish citizens and diplomats.
- The row has exposed a suspension of military ties between the two countries that, according to Ankara, had already ceased to exist.
- Muhoozi's actions have raised concerns about his conduct and the implications for Uganda's relations with Türkiye.
