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Uganda-Türkiye diplomatic tensions

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2026-09-20 08:54 UTC → 2026-09-20 11:56 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Diplomatic tensions between Uganda and Türkiye escalated following threats from Ugandan Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Kainerugaba issued calls for Turkish nationals to ‘pack their bags and leave the country immediately’ and organized a large-scale protest at the Turkish Embassy in Kampala. These actions followed the cancellation of a $3.2 billion railway tender previously held by the Turkish firm Yapı Merkezi. The friction is largely driven by Uganda’s demand for the extradition of Fred Kajubi Lumbuye, a government critic currently in Türkiye. Ugandan authorities and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) have accused Lumbuye of cybercrimes and spreading propaganda. Lumbuye faces 15 charges in Uganda, including incitement to violence and spreading false information. On September 18, 2026, the Turkish Embassy in Kampala suspended operations and closed its doors in anticipation of demonstrations organized by the PLU. During the protest, PLU leaders accused the presence of Lumbuye in Türkiye of interfering with Uganda’s sovereignty. Following these events, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) announced the immediate suspension of all military and defense cooperation with Türkiye. Acting spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi stated the suspension will remain in effect until ~~outstanding bilateral issues~~ “unresolved issues” regarding mutual defense and military cooperation are ~~resolved.~~ addressed. While the UPDF did not explicitly link the suspension to the Lumbuye dispute, the move disrupts a decade-long relationship involving military training and equipment transfers.

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