The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced the immediate suspension of all defence and military cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany, citing alleged subversive conduct by the German Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency Mathias Schauer.
In a strongly worded statement issued Sunday by the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Colonel Chris Magezi, the UPDF stated that the suspension follows credible intelligence reports implicating Ambassador Schauer in activities deemed hostile to 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. “This decision is in response to credible intelligence reports that the current German Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency Mathias Schauer, is actively engaged in subversive activities in the country.”
Colonel Magezi did not elaborate on the nature of the alleged activities but noted that the ambassador is accused of supporting pseudo political-military groups that are considered hostile to the government.
He added that the suspension will remain in place until the issue is fully resolved through appropriate diplomatic and legal channels.
The decision marks a significant escalation in tensions between Uganda and one of its long-standing European defence partners. Over the years, Germany has supported various military capacity-building initiatives in Uganda, including training programs, logistics support, and cooperation on regional security efforts.
This move comes just days after the UPDF issued a statement warning of increased rebel activity and foreign interference, with particular reference to Kampala-based diplomatic missions allegedly involved in funding anti-government networks.
Ugandan authorities have vowed to take firm action against both local and foreign actors accused of attempting to destabilize the country ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The German Embassy in Kampala has not yet publicly responded to the UPDF’s announcement. Meanwhile, diplomatic observers are watching closely to see how Berlin will respond to the sharp deterioration in bilateral defence relations.
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