Uganda has suspended military and defence cooperation with Turkey amid a growing dispute over the detention of prominent Ugandan political blogger Fred Lumbuye.
The decision was announced on Saturday by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Army spokesman Chris Magezi said the suspension would remain in place until outstanding issues between the two countries are resolved.
Uganda demands action over Lumbuye
The dispute centres on Fred Lumbuye, a political commentator and critic of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
Ugandan authorities have accused Lumbuye of several offences.
He reportedly faces 15 criminal charges, including alleged incitement to violence, spreading false information and computer misuse.
Uganda’s military leadership has been pressing Turkish authorities over efforts to secure his extradition.
Army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also President Museveni’s son, has repeatedly criticised Turkey over the issue.
Military ties placed on hold
In a statement, Magezi announced that Uganda had immediately suspended defence and military cooperation with Turkey.
He said the measure would remain until the unresolved defence and security issues between the countries are addressed.
The military did not provide further details about the specific negotiations or demands involved.
Kainerugaba later reposted the military statement on X.
Protest at Turkish embassy
The decision followed a demonstration in Kampala on Friday.
Thousands of supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda, a civic and political pressure group associated with Kainerugaba, reportedly gathered outside the Turkish embassy.
The protesters called for action over Lumbuye’s case.
The demonstration added to tensions between Uganda and Turkey over the political blogger.
Defence relationship under pressure
Uganda and Turkey have maintained defence ties for almost a decade.
Their cooperation has included military training and security operations.
The relationship has also covered arms and surveillance equipment, technology transfers and counter-terrorism cooperation.
The suspension could therefore affect several areas of existing security collaboration.
Railway contract also becomes an issue
The latest dispute comes after threats linked to a major railway project.
Uganda has reportedly threatened to cancel a $3 billion railway contract involving Turkish construction company Yapi Merkezi.
There have also been threats to expel Turkish nationals from Uganda.
The developments mark a significant deterioration in relations between Kampala and Ankara.
The immediate focus remains on the dispute surrounding Lumbuye and whether the two governments can resolve their outstanding differences.
