NewsUganda halts military ties with Germany amidst spy claims

Uganda halts military ties with Germany amidst spy claims

The Ugandan army has suspended its cooperation with Germany, accusing Ambassador Mathias Schauer of subversive activities. Berlin defends its diplomat and insists that it had "no formal military cooperation" with Uganda.

Ugandan army furious with German ambassador. Accusations were made.
Ugandan army furious with German ambassador. Accusations were made.
Images source: © East News | PHILEMON BARBIER
Maciej Zubel

What do you need to know?

  • The Ugandan army (UPDF) announced the suspension of its cooperation with Germany. Ambassador Mathias Schauer was earlier accused of subversive activity and incompetence.
  • The suspension is to last until the allegation of Schauer's connections with— as stated by Col. Chris Magezi— "hostile pseudo-political-military forces" is fully resolved.
  • The spokesperson for the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the accusations by the Ugandan army are unfounded.

Col. Chris Magezi, acting as the spokesperson for the Ugandan forces, wrote on social media that the decision to cease military cooperation with Germany is based on "credible intelligence reports."

He assessed that the information contained within these reports provides grounds to suspect the German ambassador of ties with "hostile pseudo-political-military forces" operating against the Ugandan government.

A twist in Uganda regarding Germany. Berlin surprised

The spokesperson for the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Uganda's accusations during a press conference in Berlin. They assessed that the accusations are "baseless."

It was emphasized that there is no formal military cooperation between Berlin and Kinshasa. The only connection that might exist is Uganda's participation in the African Union peacekeeping forces in Somalia, partially funded by the European Union, including Germany.

Accusations against Ambassador Schauer arose after he expressed concerns regarding General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of the President of Uganda.

General Kainerugaba is known for his controversial posts on platform X, where he threatens opposition politicians and neighbouring countries. Recently, he threatened to behead opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, and boasted about torturing his bodyguard.

Related content