Uganda's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo has publicly apologized to Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for traveling to Turkey without his permission. On September 27, 2026, Kasolo responded to Gen Kainerugaba's query about his trip, addressing him as his "chairman" and "Big Brother." Kasolo acknowledged the authority asserted by Gen Kainerugaba, stating that he would seek his guidance and authority in the future.
The public exchange began when Kasolo shared details of his engagements in Turkey, including meetings with Turkish business representatives and organizations. However, Gen Kainerugaba questioned whether Kasolo had obtained permission to leave the country, prompting Kasolo's apology. Gen Kainerugaba had issued a directive requiring government ministers to seek his permission before traveling outside Uganda, which Kasolo appeared to acknowledge.
Gen Kainerugaba later announced a financial penalty for ministers who travel without his approval, stating that they would be fined Shs30 million. He also said he would clear ministers' foreign trips on a monthly basis, with the Minister of Finance required to seek his approval. The public exchange has drawn attention due to Kasolo's role as State Minister for Foreign Affairs responsible for regional affairs and the sensitive moment in Uganda-Turkey relations.
Uganda's military recently announced a suspension of defence and military cooperation with Turkey, while relations between Kampala and Ankara have been under scrutiny following disputes involving Ugandan political activist Fred Lumbuye. Reports have linked the recent tensions to demonstrations outside the Turkish Embassy in Kampala. The Ugandan military has not publicly detailed the specific issues behind the suspension of defence cooperation.
Turkey's Directorate of Communications has rejected as fabricated a document circulating online that purported to be an official Turkish Foreign Ministry statement threatening Uganda or Gen Kainerugaba. Kasolo's Turkey visit took place against a backdrop of heightened public attention on the two countries' relations. Despite the confrontation, Kasolo's public response was conciliatory, pledging to seek Gen Kainerugaba's guidance and authority in the future.
Gen Kainerugaba's response was brief but signaled that the matter would be discussed privately. The public posts have raised questions about the administrative or legal basis for the announced Shs30 million penalty and Gen Kainerugaba's authority to clear foreign travel by ministers. The directive's wider implications remain a subject of public discussion.
The dispute has moved from a public questioning of Kasolo's Turkey trip to a stated commitment by the minister to seek Gen Kainerugaba's guidance before future foreign travel. The incident highlights the current dynamics between Uganda's military leadership and government ministers, with Gen Kainerugaba asserting his authority and Kasolo acknowledging it.
Key points
- Minister Kasolo apologized to Gen Muhoozi for traveling to Turkey without permission.
- Gen Kainerugaba announced a Shs30 million fine for ministers who travel without his approval.
- The incident highlights the current dynamics between Uganda's military leadership and government ministers.
