Uganda has suspended all military cooperation with Germany, accusing the German ambassador of subversive behavior and backing anti-government elements, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) announced.
The decision follows intelligence reports implicating Ambassador Matthias Schauer in what officials described as “subversive activities.” Ugandan authorities allege that Schauer met privately with President Yoweri Museveni’s brother and criticized the social media conduct of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son and the commander of Uganda’s armed forces.
“This conduct constitutes interference in Uganda’s internal affairs,” a UPDF spokesperson said in a statement, characterizing Schauer’s actions as aligned with “negative and traitorous forces.”
Germany has not publicly responded to the accusations. The country has long supported Uganda’s military through logistics and technical assistance. In 2023, bilateral trade between the two countries totaled more than $335 million.
The diplomatic rift comes ahead of Uganda’s 2026 presidential election and highlights growing tensions between Kampala and Western partners over governance and foreign influence. The move is part of a broader effort by Ugandan authorities to assert control over domestic affairs and push back against what they see as external interference.