Diplomatic Crisis: Uganda Halts Defense Ties with Germany Over Envoy Accusations
Uganda's military command has abruptly terminated all defense collaboration with Germany following explosive allegations that Berlin's ambassador engaged in "subversive activities" against the East African nation. The unprecedented decision, announced Tuesday, plunges bilateral relations into crisis amid vehement denials from German authorities.
Unprecedented Accusations
Defense spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi declared an immediate freeze on military engagements, citing intelligence reports alleging Ambassador Matthias Schauer's involvement with "pseudo political-military forces" opposing Uganda's government. The statement asserted the suspension would persist until resolution of what it termed the diplomat's "unacceptable conduct," though military officials provided no substantiating evidence.
Schauer, Germany's representative in Kampala since 2020, faced extraordinary personal criticism from Uganda's military leadership. Army Chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba - son of long-serving President Yoweri Museveni - publicly attacked the ambassador on social media platform X, declaring Schauer "wholly unqualified to be in Uganda" while emphasizing his admiration for the German people.
Controversial Social Media Sparks Clash
The rupture reportedly follows diplomatic discussions where European Union representatives, including Schauer, raised concerns about General Kainerugaba's inflammatory social media conduct. The military commander recently threatened to behead opposition leader Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi) and openly admitted to torturing the politician's bodyguard.
General Kainerugaba has drawn criticism for controversial social media posts (Getty Images)
Human rights organizations have consistently documented alleged government persecution of opposition figures, particularly during Uganda's electoral cycles. Wine is expected to challenge President Museveni in next year's polls, marking the 79-year-old leader's bid to extend his nearly four-decade rule.
Germany's Forceful Rejection
A German foreign ministry spokesperson swiftly dismissed the allegations against Schauer as "absurd and without any merit," according to international news agency reports. The diplomatic condemnation highlights the severity of the breach between the nations, whose bilateral trade exceeded $335 million in 2024.
Germany's Ugandan embassy website describes the relationship as founded on "stability and trust," though details of defense cooperation remain undisclosed. Uganda contributes significantly to African peacekeeping missions, notably leading operations against Islamist militants in Somalia.
Deepening Political Tensions
The incident spotlights Uganda's contentious political landscape, where President Museveni's family holds key positions. First Lady Janet Museveni serves as education minister, while the president's brother General Salim Saleh coordinates the Operation Wealth Creation initiative. Schauer reportedly raised concerns about General Kainerugaba's conduct during a meeting with Saleh last week.
The suspension of military ties represents one of East Africa's most significant diplomatic breaches in recent years, with potential implications for regional security cooperation and European engagement across the continent.
