The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has suspended all defence and military cooperation with Türkiye, effective September 19, 2026. This decision was announced by Colonel Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs. The suspension will remain in place until outstanding issues between the two countries are resolved. The move comes amid growing tensions between Kampala and Ankara.
The suspension of military cooperation is linked to the continued presence of Ugandan activist and government critic Fred Kajubi Lumbuye in Türkiye. Lumbuye has lived in Türkiye for several years and has remained active on social media, commenting on Ugandan political affairs. Ugandan authorities have accused him of spreading harmful propaganda, incitement, and offensive communication. In 2021, police opened several case files involving Lumbuye, and prosecutors sanctioned charges connected to his online activities.
On September 18, 2026, supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) marched to the Turkish Embassy in Kampala, demanding that Ankara hand over Lumbuye to Uganda. The protest was held a day before the UPDF's announcement, drawing attention to the connection between the two developments. PLU Chairman and UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, had earlier criticised Türkiye over Lumbuye's presence and thanked PLU supporters for demonstrating the "spirit of lions."
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba expects Türkiye to comply with Uganda's demands regarding Lumbuye's extradition. The PLU Secretary General, Fadil Twalla, stated that the protesters wanted Lumbuye brought back to Uganda to answer allegations against him. Lumbuye was arrested in Türkiye in 2021 amid an attempted deportation but was released and remained in the country. The Lumbuye dispute has become a visible issue in the recent deterioration of relations between Kampala and Ankara.
The UPDF did not publicly identify specific issues behind the decision or provide a timeline for when cooperation could resume. However, the connection between the suspension and Lumbuye's presence in Türkiye is clear. The situation highlights the challenges in diplomatic relations between countries, particularly when issues involve citizens and their activities.
The Patriotic League of Uganda and the UPDF have been vocal about their demands for Lumbuye's extradition. The protests and public statements by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and other officials underscore the importance of this issue for Uganda. The suspension of military cooperation with Türkiye will likely have implications for both countries' defence and security sectors.
The situation remains unresolved, with no clear timeline for the resumption of military cooperation or the extradition of Fred Lumbuye. As tensions persist, both countries will need to navigate their diplomatic channels to address the outstanding issues. The UPDF's decision to suspend cooperation underscores Uganda's commitment to resolving the matter.
Key points
- The UPDF has suspended military cooperation with Türkiye due to outstanding issues, including the presence of Ugandan activist Fred Lumbuye.
- The suspension follows protests by the Patriotic League of Uganda, demanding Lumbuye's extradition.
- The situation highlights challenges in diplomatic relations between countries, particularly when issues involve citizens and their activities.
