Uganda has suspended all military cooperation with Germany, citing alleged subversive actions by the German ambassador to the country, Mathias Schauer.
The announcement was made by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson Chris Magezi via X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
Magezi stated that the suspension was prompted by “credible intelligence reports” accusing Ambassador Schauer of involvement with hostile, pseudo-political-military groups working against the Ugandan government.
“The UPDF has, with immediate effect, suspended all ongoing defence and military cooperation activities with the Federal Republic of Germany,” Magezi said. He added that the suspension will remain until the matter is fully resolved.
The German embassy in Uganda has yet to issue a public response.
This move follows a previous military statement on Friday, which accused some European diplomatic missions of supporting “negative and traitorous groups” opposed to President Yoweri Museveni’s administration. That statement also singled out Ambassador Schauer by name.
Uganda is currently under increasing international scrutiny over its treatment of opposition figures, particularly as presidential elections approach in seven months. Human rights organizations have reported a growing crackdown on dissidents.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son and head of the Ugandan army—widely seen as his political successor—has made controversial social media posts, including claims of abducting and torturing the bodyguard of the main opposition leader. Local media report that Schauer criticized these posts during a recent meeting with Museveni’s brother and other European diplomats.
It remains unclear what direct impact the suspension of military ties will have. Germany and Uganda have historically maintained strong diplomatic relations, with the German embassy previously describing the partnership as one of “stability and trust.” Schauer has served as Germany’s ambassador to Uganda since 2020.
Bilateral trade between the two countries was valued at approximately $335 million last year, with Uganda primarily importing German machinery and chemical products.
AFP
