Kampala — The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced the immediate suspension of all defence and military cooperation activities with the Federal Republic of Germany, citing what it describes as credible intelligence linking German Ambassador Matthias Schauer to subversive operations in Uganda.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Col. Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, the UPDF said the suspension would remain in effect until the matter is fully resolved.

“The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has with immediate effect suspended all ongoing defence and military cooperation activities with the Federal Republic of Germany,” said Magezi.

“The decision is in response to credible intelligence reports that the current German Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency Mathias Schauer, is actively engaged in subversive activities in the country.”  

“The suspension will remain in force until the full resolution of the matter of the Ambassador’s involvement with hostile pseudo political-military forces operating in the country against the Ugandan government,” the statement added. 

This marks a dramatic escalation in an already tense standoff between Ugandan authorities and Western diplomatic missions.

Ambassador Schauer has in recent days faced growing scrutiny, with Ugandan intelligence agencies accusing him of interfering in domestic political affairs and maintaining contact with groups opposed to the ruling government.

The German Embassy has not publicly responded to the accusations. 

The development comes just hours after the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political movement led by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced a protest at the German Embassy scheduled for June 5.

The PLU cited the ambassador’s “undiplomatic conduct” as the basis for the demonstration, further fueling the diplomatic fallout.

Tensions have been mounting since Gen Muhoozi posted a series of messages on X (formerly Twitter), including one in which he claimed he had the power to expel any ambassador from Uganda.

The German envoy is reported to have raised concerns over the tone of these remarks with senior Ugandan officials, including Gen Salim Saleh.

Defence cooperation between Uganda and Germany has in the past included training programs, logistical support, and joint operations on peacekeeping and counterterrorism.

There has been no immediate comment from the German government in Berlin.

By ChimpReports