In a surprise announcement on May 25, 2025, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) declared an immediate suspension of all defense and military partnerships with Germany. Posting on its official X account, the UPDF claimed “reliable intelligence” indicates that German Ambassador Mathias Schauer has been involved in “subversive activities” intended to destabilize Uganda and back covert political-military factions.

Allegations and Lack of Specifics

The UPDF statement, issued by spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi, accused Ambassador Schauer of “interfering in Uganda’s internal affairs” but did not name the targeted groups or detail the evidence. UPDF Chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni, went further labeling the envoy “unqualified to represent Germany in Uganda” and asserting that his actions threatened national security. No concrete incidents or intercepted communications have yet been publicly disclosed.

German Response: “Absurd and Without Merit”

Berlin swiftly rejected the UPDF’s claims. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson in Bonn characterized the accusations as “absurd and without any merit,” noting that no formal military cooperation agreements currently existed between Germany and Uganda to suspend. Germany’s Embassy in Kampala emphasized robust bilateral ties highlighting over $335 million in two-way trade during 2024 and affirmed commitment to continued diplomatic engagement.

Political and Human Rights Context

Observers see this diplomatic rupture against a backdrop of mounting European criticism of Uganda’s human rights record. Ambassador Schauer recently joined EU envoys in voicing concern over inflammatory social-media statements by Gen. Kainerugaba who faces allegations of threatening opposition figures and reports of mistreatment of detainees linked to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). Museveni’s bid for a seventh term in 2026 has intensified scrutiny of Uganda’s political climate.

Implications for Regional Security

Uganda plays a key role in African Union peace-support missions, notably in Somalia and South Sudan. Although the UPDF did not specify which military programs were affected, the suspension could disrupt joint training exercises, logistics support, and intelligence-sharing with European partners. Neighboring states and regional bodies are monitoring the fallout, concerned that a diplomatic standoff could weaken collective security efforts against insurgent networks.

Path to De-escalation

Diplomatic sources indicate that Berlin may seek urgent clarification from Kampala through the EU delegation in Uganda. Civil society organizations and donor nations have urged both sides to de-escalate tensions, provide evidence for any credible allegations, and restore dialogue channels. Analysts warn that without swift engagement, this crisis risks isolating Uganda diplomatically and stalling much-needed cooperation on security and development.

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