Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Bad Black has made a claim that Fred Kajubi Lumbuye, a controversial blogger and government critic, is staying close to the Turkey-Greece border. This development adds a new dimension to the ongoing dispute between Uganda and Türkiye over Lumbuye's continued presence in Türkiye. Bad Black, who says she previously lived in Türkiye, made the claim while discussing Lumbuye's whereabouts and the growing pressure from Uganda for Turkish authorities to hand him over.
According to Bad Black, Lumbuye is staying in an area near the Turkish-Greek border, a location she suggested could give him access to another route into Europe if pressure on him increases. She further claimed that she has a family connection to Lumbuye, although the two have never met physically. Their relationship has so far been maintained through telephone communication. Bad Black's claim comes at a time when pressure on Ankara over Lumbuye has intensified, particularly from supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
On Friday, September 18, hundreds of PLU supporters marched to the Turkish Embassy in Kampala demanding that Lumbuye be returned to Uganda to face criminal charges. The demonstration was led by PLU Secretary General Fadil Twalla and followed an earlier directive from PLU chairman and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The Turkish Embassy had announced that its Kampala offices would remain closed on Friday because of the planned demonstration.
Embassy representatives reportedly advised the protesters to pursue their concerns through diplomatic channels. PLU leaders have accused Lumbuye of offences including incitement and cyber-related crimes, allegations that remain subject to the relevant legal processes. The group has also expressed opposition to reports that Lumbuye's lawyers may have sought asylum for him in Türkiye. The precise legal status of any asylum or extradition proceedings has not been publicly clarified.
The dispute has also contributed to wider tensions between Kampala and Ankara, with Gen. Muhoozi publicly criticising Türkiye over its handling of Lumbuye and other bilateral issues. However, Bad Black's latest claim about Lumbuye being near the Turkey-Greece border has not been independently confirmed. Recent reporting by international and Ugandan media has established that Lumbuye has lived in Türkiye for several years, but his exact current location and legal status remain unclear.
The Turkey-Greece border is a sensitive and heavily monitored frontier, meaning any suggestion that Lumbuye could simply cross into Greece remains a claim rather than an established fact. For now, attention remains focused on whether Ankara will respond to Uganda's demands for Lumbuye's return and whether the diplomatic pressure surrounding his case will produce any formal action. The Turkish government had not issued a detailed public response to the PLU's extradition demand by the time of reporting.
As the situation continues to unfold, Ugandan authorities and PLU supporters are eagerly awaiting a response from Ankara regarding Lumbuye's extradition. The case has sparked significant debate and tension between the two nations, with many questioning the implications of Türkiye's stance on the matter. With Bad Black's claim adding a new layer of complexity to the situation, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved in the coming days.
Key points
- Bad Black claims Fred Lumbuye is living near the Turkey-Greece border.
- Pressure on Ankara over Lumbuye has intensified from Ugandan authorities and PLU supporters.
- The dispute has contributed to wider tensions between Kampala and Ankara.
