Uganda's military has suspended all defence and military cooperation with Turkey, effective immediately. The move comes amid a row over Turkey's refusal to hand over Fred Lumbuye, a prominent political blogger and fierce critic of President Yoweri Museveni. Lumbuye faces 15 criminal charges in Uganda, including incitement to violence, spreading false information, and computer misuse.
The suspension was announced by army spokesman Chris Magezi, who stated that the measure will remain in force until outstanding issues of mutual defence and military cooperation between the two countries are resolved. The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has had close defence ties with Turkey for nearly a decade, covering military training, arms, and surveillance equipment, as well as cooperation on counter-terrorism and security.
The row between Uganda and Turkey escalated on Friday, when thousands of Ugandans affiliated with the Patriotic League of Uganda, a civic and political pressure group associated with army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, protested outside the Turkish embassy in Kampala. Muhoozi, who is Museveni's son and widely seen as his father's likely successor, has repeatedly clashed with Turkish authorities over efforts to extradite Lumbuye.
The military cooperation between Uganda and Turkey has been significant, with Turkey providing military training and equipment to the UPDF. The suspension of cooperation could have implications for Uganda's military capabilities, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism and security. The two countries have also had a $3 billion contract for the construction of a railway line, which could be impacted by the suspension.
The Ugandan government has threatened to cancel the $3 billion SGR contract with Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi, and to expel Turkish nationals from Uganda. The move is seen as a significant escalation of the row between the two countries. The Turkish embassy in Kampala has not yet commented on the situation.
The suspension of military cooperation between Uganda and Turkey has raised concerns about the impact on regional security. Uganda is a key player in regional security efforts, particularly in the fight against al-Shabaab in Somalia. The country has also been working with Turkey to enhance its military capabilities, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism and security.
The row between Uganda and Turkey is likely to have significant diplomatic and economic implications for both countries. The suspension of military cooperation is a significant escalation of the row, and it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved. The Ugandan government has stated that it will not back down until Lumbuye is extradited to face trial.
Key points
- Uganda's military suspends cooperation with Turkey over demands to hand over critic of President Yoweri Museveni
- The suspension could have implications for Uganda's military capabilities, particularly in counter-terrorism and security
- The row between Uganda and Turkey has significant diplomatic and economic implications for both countries
