Uganda Halts Military Ties with Germany

Uganda has abruptly suspended all military and defense ties with Germany, accusing Berlin’s top envoy in Kampala of undermining national security. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) announced the decision on Sunday, declaring via spokesperson Chris Magezi that all joint activities with Germany are halted “with immediate effect.”

The move follows accusations that German Ambassador Mathias Schauer had engaged with “hostile pseudo-political-military forces,” which the UPDF said posed a direct threat to Uganda’s sovereignty. Details of the alleged activities remain classified.

Tensions flared after reports emerged of a private conversation between Schauer and President Yoweri Museveni’s brother, during which the ambassador reportedly criticized the controversial online conduct of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son and military commander. Kainerugaba has drawn condemnation for erratic and provocative social media posts targeting both domestic and international figures.

While Kampala has not released evidence supporting its claims, officials had previously warned several European embassies—including Germany’s—against backing what it labeled “negative and subversive groups.”

The suspension casts doubt over a longstanding bilateral relationship. Germany has historically provided logistical and technical military aid to Uganda, while trade between the two nations exceeded $335 million last year. Germany exports machinery, vehicles, and chemicals to Uganda, while importing coffee and other agricultural goods.

The German Embassy, which had earlier described relations with Uganda as grounded in “stability and trust,” has yet to comment on the accusations or the diplomatic fallout.