The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has suspended all defence and military cooperation with Türkiye, effective immediately. This decision was announced by Colonel Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF, on September 19, 2026. The suspension will remain in force until outstanding issues concerning mutual defence and military cooperation between Uganda and Türkiye are resolved.
The UPDF did not specify the nature of the outstanding issues or indicate which particular military cooperation programmes are affected by the suspension. Uganda and Türkiye have maintained defence relations involving areas such as military training, defence-industry cooperation, and military equipment. A 2016 Military Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding provided a framework for broader cooperation between the two countries.
The decision comes amid recent tensions between Uganda and Türkiye. On September 18, members of the Patriotic League of Uganda demonstrated outside the Turkish Embassy in Kampala, demanding the extradition of Ugandan activist and government critic Fred Lumbuye, who is based in Türkiye. However, the UPDF statement did not directly link the suspension to Lumbuye or the demonstration.
The UPDF has not given a timeline for the resumption of cooperation, stating only that the suspension will remain in place until the outstanding issues are resolved. The suspension affects various defence and military cooperation programmes that have been in place between the two countries. The exact impact of the suspension on Uganda's defence and military operations is not yet clear.
Colonel Chris Magezi emphasized that the suspension is intended to allow for the resolution of outstanding issues between the two countries. The UPDF is committed to maintaining good relations with Türkiye and other countries, but will not compromise on matters of national interest. The suspension is seen as a significant development in the relations between Uganda and Türkiye.
The Patriotic League of Uganda's demonstration outside the Turkish Embassy in Kampala highlights the tensions between Uganda and Türkiye. The group demanded the extradition of Fred Lumbuye, who has been critical of the Ugandan government. The situation remains a sensitive issue in the relations between the two countries.
The suspension of military cooperation between Uganda and Türkiye has raised concerns about the impact on regional security and stability. The two countries have been working together on defence and security issues, including counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations. The future of their military cooperation remains uncertain.
Key points
- The UPDF has suspended all defence and military cooperation with Türkiye due to unresolved issues between the two countries.
- The suspension comes amid recent tensions between Uganda and Türkiye, including a demonstration outside the Turkish Embassy in Kampala.
- The UPDF has not given a timeline for the resumption of cooperation, stating only that the suspension will remain in place until the outstanding issues are resolved.
