Uganda has suspended all military cooperation with Germany, citing “credible intelligence reports” that German Ambassador Mathias Schauer is engaged in subversive activities in the country.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) announced the suspension on Sunday, stating that it will remain in force until the matter is fully resolved.
The UPDF spokesperson, Chris Magezi, claimed that Schauer’s activities were hostile to the Ugandan government and that the suspension was necessary to protect national interests.
The German embassy in Uganda has not publicly commented on the matter.
This development comes amid increasing international condemnation of Uganda’s treatment of opposition and dissidents.
Human rights groups have accused the government of accelerating its crackdown on opponents ahead of presidential elections scheduled in seven months.
The suspension of military cooperation between Uganda and Germany may have significant implications for the two countries’ long-standing relationship. Germany and Uganda have enjoyed stable and trusting ties, with bilateral trade worth roughly $335 million last year.
Uganda mainly imports machinery and chemical products from Germany.
The controversy surrounding Schauer’s alleged activities began when he reportedly criticized the social media posts of President Yoweri Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the head of the Ugandan army.
Kainerugaba has been known for his colorful and often provocative social media posts, and has also been accused of threatening members of the opposition.
