The Uganda People’s Defence Forces
(UPDF) has officially suspended all defence and military cooperation with the
Republic of Türkiye, citing unresolved bilateral issues between the two
nations. The announcement marks a sudden shift in diplomatic and military
relations that have steadily developed over recent years.
In a statement released Saturday
afternoon, the acting UPDF spokesperson, Col Chris Magezi, confirmed that the
suspension takes immediate effect and will remain active until mutual concerns
are addressed.
“The Uganda People’s Defence Forces
(UPDF) has with immediate effect suspended all and any Defence and Military
cooperation with the Republic of Türkiye,” the UPDF statement read, adding that
the measure remains in force “until outstanding issues of mutual defence and
military cooperation between the two countries are resolved.”
While the military did not detail the
specific friction points, the move comes closely on the heels of public
political actions directed at the Turkish diplomatic mission in Kampala.
Protests at the Turkish Embassy in Kampala
The suspension follows a peaceful
demonstration held Thursday at the Turkish Embassy in Kampala by supporters of
the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). The rally was publicly backed by
the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who had
previously mobilized PLU supporters to turn out in large numbers to protest
against Türkiye.
The rapid deterioration in military
ties stands in stark contrast to earlier diplomatic efforts. In November 2024,
Gen. Muhoozi met with Turkey's Ambassador to Uganda, Mehmet Fatih Ak, and
Turkish Defence Attaché Lt. Col. Caner Sağlam at the Special Forces Command
headquarters in Entebbe to discuss strengthening economic and security
relations.
Uncertain Future for Military Contracts and Training
The UPDF has not yet clarified whether
the suspension will impact existing procurement contracts, joint training
initiatives, personnel exchanges, or active defence supply chains with Türkiye.
Furthermore, no specific roadmap or conditions have been made public regarding
what steps will be required to lift the suspension.
For now, all defence activities
between Kampala and Ankara remain halted until further notice.
