Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces and chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), has intensified his criticism of Turkey following a demonstration by PLU supporters at the Turkish Embassy in Kampala. The demonstration was held on September 18, 2026, and was led by PLU Secretary General Fadil Twalla. Muhoozi praised the PLU supporters who participated in the demonstration, describing them as patriotic Ugandans who had demonstrated courage and determination.
The demonstration was held to demand that Turkey hand over Ugandan government critic and political commentator Fred Kajubi Lumbuye to face charges in Uganda. PLU leaders accused Lumbuye of using social media to make statements against Uganda's leadership and demanded that he return to Uganda to answer the allegations brought against him. The protesters were not demonstrating against the Turkish people but were seeking action from the Turkish government over Lumbuye.
Muhoozi issued a strong message directed at Turkey, saying that he expected the Turkish authorities to comply with the demands being made by the Ugandan side. He further warned that failure to do so could have consequences for Turkish interests in Uganda. "The Turks will comply with all our demands. If they don't life will become untenable for them in Uganda," Muhoozi said in a post on X.
The Turkish Embassy had announced that it would temporarily close on September 18 because of the planned demonstration. The embassy also advised Turkish citizens about the closure as the protest was expected to take place near its premises. The demonstration was peaceful, with hundreds of PLU supporters marching from the Lugogo Cricket Oval toward the Turkish diplomatic mission in Kololo.
PLU leaders said their main concern was Lumbuye's continued presence in Turkey. They accused him of making statements against Uganda's leadership and demanded that he return to Uganda to face charges. The group had mobilised supporters from different parts of the country to participate in the demonstration.
The warning by Muhoozi has escalated tensions between Uganda and Turkey. The Turkish government has not yet responded to Muhoozi's statement. The situation is being closely monitored by diplomatic officials and analysts. The incident has raised concerns about the relationship between the two countries and the potential impact on trade and diplomatic relations.
The demonstration and Muhoozi's statement have sparked a heated debate in Uganda, with some supporting the PLU's demands and others criticising the group's methods. The issue remains a sensitive topic, with many calling for a peaceful resolution. The Ugandan government has not officially commented on the matter, but it is clear that the issue will continue to be a point of contention between Uganda and Turkey.
Key points
- Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba warns Turkey to comply with Uganda's demands or face consequences for Turkish interests in Uganda.
- The demonstration was held to demand that Turkey hand over Ugandan government critic Fred Kajubi Lumbuye to face charges in Uganda.
- The incident has raised concerns about the relationship between Uganda and Turkey and the potential impact on trade and diplomatic relations.
