The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have halted all military and defense collaboration with Germany, citing what it calls verified intelligence linking German Ambassador Mathias Schauer to subversive activities intended to destabilize the country.
In a brief statement released on Sunday, May 25, Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, stated the suspension was based on credible intelligence indicating that Ambassador Schauer was allegedly involved with groups working against the Ugandan government.
“This decision will remain in effect until the full matter of the ambassador’s alleged connections to hostile political-military groups is resolved,” Magezi announced.
Germany has historically supported Uganda’s military through training, crisis response, and medical cooperation, including backing Uganda’s role in the African Union Mission in Somalia. The partnership has also included joint drills and strategy planning.
This move marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Uganda’s security apparatus and certain Western diplomats and follows earlier accusations from the UPDF that Ambassador Schauer was engaged in actions violating diplomatic protocols.
Last Thursday, the UPDF revealed that numerous individuals tied to emerging rebel groups had been arrested in recent months, accused of plotting sabotage, particularly targeting key infrastructure like the power grid. Some of the suspects were allegedly affiliated with the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP).
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The military claims these groups were operating in districts such as Wakiso, Mukono, Luweero, Kayunga, Kiboga, and the Masaka region. Several suspects have already been charged and are facing trial.
What has drawn the most attention, however, is the direct accusation against the German ambassador, who the UPDF claims is violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations by secretly supporting these efforts.
While no concrete evidence has been publicly shared, the strong language used in the army’s statement signals a new level of confrontation regarding foreign involvement in Uganda’s domestic affairs.
Authorities say they are handling the issue through diplomatic channels. Meanwhile, security officials warn that foreign-backed networks are attempting to radicalize youth, especially in urban slums, and urge young people to reject these influences and support government development programs.
NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, has rejected the government’s claims, calling them a diversion meant to distract from its poor human rights record. He linked the allegations to a recent meeting in Gulu between EU diplomats and Gen. Salim Saleh, during which concerns were reportedly raised about threatening social media posts by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba—President Museveni’s son.
“Just hours after that meeting, the government is now accusing the German ambassador of backing rebel activity—this is simply revenge and a tired tactic to suppress dissent,” Kyagulanyi said.
He further accused the regime of using rebellion accusations as a pretext to abduct, torture, or silence government critics.
As of now, the German Embassy and other Western missions have not issued official responses. The fallout adds uncertainty to Uganda’s relations with its Western allies, especially as the 2026 elections approach.
Security agencies in Uganda have a pattern of raising alarms about rebel plots in the lead-up to elections, which critics argue are used to justify repression of opposition voices.
What is unusual this time is the explicit naming of a European ambassador—an act that may further strain diplomatic ties and raise global concern over Uganda’s internal political environment.
Col. Magezi concluded by reiterating that the UPDF and national security agencies will continue to act against any domestic or foreign actors deemed to be promoting instability.
Meanwhile, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU)—a shadowy political group aligned with the ruling NRM and led by Gen. Muhoozi—has called for a “peaceful and energetic” protest at the German Embassy on June 5, in response to the alleged misconduct by Ambassador Schauer.
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