Uganda has decided to suspend all its military ties with Türkiye, thereby putting an abrupt end to an important bilateral military relationship following mounting tensions between Kampala and Ankara.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) made this announcement on September 19, 2026, stating that the suspension will continue until the outstanding issues related to mutual defence and military cooperation are sorted out. However, no details were provided by the army regarding the nature of such outstanding issues or any particular programmes.
This development follows a day when supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) protested against the Turkish Embassy in Kampala, demanding that Fred Lumbuye, a critic of President Yoweri Museveni, be handed over to them.
Why Is Uganda Mad at Türkiye?
The case revolves largely around Lumbuye, who has been living in Türkiye for quite some time now and is writing commentary on Ugandan political issues.
According to Ugandan officials, Lumbuye committed acts such as incitement, spreading lies, and committing computer crimes. According to Turkish media reports based on Ugandan police documents, 15 cases were opened against him in 2021. But it is not clear what the status of the extradition process in Türkiye is.
The case took an ugly turn on September 18 when PLU supporters numbering hundreds protested at the Turkish Embassy. The protest was organised by PLU Secretary-General Fadil Twalla upon instructions from PLU chairman and UPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba (Museveni’s son).
The Turkish Embassy had shut its doors during the protest as PLU officials wanted the Turkish Embassy to extradite Lumbuye to Ugandan officials.
What Role Did Muhoozi Kainerugaba Play?
Kainerugaba has been critical of Turkey over the Lumbuye case. Additionally, he has posted the UPDF statement following the military’s withdrawal of cooperation.
This matter has gone beyond the Lumbuye case. According to AP, Kainerugaba had demanded $1 billion in compensation from Turkey and suggested actions such as severing diplomatic relations and limiting the operations of Turkish Airlines in Uganda. This was Kainerugaba’s personal opinion, which is not an official government position.
It means that this dispute encompasses both the institutional military decision and increasing political pressure from Uganda’s military leadership figures and organizations.
How Important Were Uganda-Türkiye Defence Ties?
This is a matter that impacts the relationship between the two nations that has existed for about a decade now.
The defense cooperation between Uganda and Türkiye was established in 2016. The bilateral relations include military training, cooperation in the defense industry, transfer of technology, and military equipment. Talks about increasing cooperation in the defense industry were still ongoing in 2024.
Therefore, the suspension is much more serious than just a typical dispute between two countries. UPDF, however, did not state anything about the cancellation of contracts, equipment delivery, training programs, or any other arrangement that has taken place.
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Can Somalia Also Be Involved in This Dispute?
This relationship is not limited to being strategic for the Horn of Africa.
Uganda has provided troops for the security missions in Somalia, whereas Türkiye has extended its security presence in the country. According to the Associated Press, regional analyst Angelo Izama stated that Ankara has become an increasingly important security partner of Somalia, and thus, may share some interests with Uganda. Uganda will withdraw the last of its troops from Somalia in August 2027.
The connection between the disputes concerning Somalia and the suspension on September 19 was not proven by the UPDF.
