Ugandan army accuses German envoy of interference

Uganda’s military on Monday, May 26, 2025, accused German ambassador, Mathias Schauer of engaging in “subversive activities” or undue interference in internal affairs.

Online media reports disclose that the military announced the suspension of all defense and military cooperation with Germany, and also accused Schauer of being “wholly unqualified” to serve in the East African nation.

The military did not provide evidence to support these claims, but the move represents a significant diplomatic breakdown between Uganda and Germany.

The German foreign ministry responded strongly, rejecting the allegations.

According to the Reuters news agency, a spokesperson called the accusations “absurd and without any merit.”

The tension appears to have stemmed from remarks Schauer reportedly made during a private meeting with European Union diplomats.

There, he voiced concerns over recent behavior by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Ugandan army chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni.

Gen Kainerugaba has recently made inflammatory posts on X (formerly Twitter), including a threat to behead opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine.

He also boasted about the torture of Wine’s bodyguard during his detention.

These comments drew strong reactions locally and internationally.

Rights groups criticized the Ugandan government’s pattern of harassing opposition figures, especially in the lead-up to national elections.

Bobi Wine, a prominent political challenger, is expected to run against President Museveni in the upcoming election next year.

Museveni has held power since 1986, and critics often describe the Ugandan government as a family-run regime.

His wife, Janet Museveni, serves as the Minister of Education.

Also, his brother, Gen Salim Saleh, is a senior government official and head of Operation Wealth Creation, a national development program.

Reports indicate that during last week’s meeting between EU diplomats and Gen Saleh, Ambassador Schauer raised concerns about Gen Kainerugaba’s social media behavior.

Schauer also reportedly raised concerns about the potential reputational damage it was causing Uganda.

The criticism was not received well by Gen Kainerugaba, who responded online.

Kainerugaba said he had “issues” with the ambassador personally and declared that Schauer was “wholly unqualified” to serve in Uganda.

He emphasized that his criticism was not directed at the German people, whom he claimed to “admire a lot.”

The escalation continued with a formal statement from Uganda’s military spokesperson, Col Chris Magezi.

Magezi announced the immediate suspension of all defense and military cooperation with Germany.

He cited “credible intelligence reports” that allegedly linked Ambassador Schauer to activities involving “pseudo political-military forces” acting against the Ugandan government.

However, the statement provided no evidence to support these serious accusations and did not elaborate on the nature of the alleged threats.

Germany’s embassy in Uganda describes the bilateral relationship between the two nations as one built on “stability and trust.”

As of 2024, trade between the countries was valued at approximately $335 million (£247 million).

While the embassy did not disclose specific details about their defense partnership, the suspension could affect various areas of cooperation, particularly Uganda’s role in regional security efforts.

Uganda is a key participant in African peacekeeping missions, most notably in Somalia, where it contributes troops to combat Islamist militants threatening the Somali government.

The country’s military engagement in such operations has made it a critical partner for Western nations seeking to maintain stability in the region.

Analysts say that this sudden and serious diplomatic rift may have wider implications, not just for Uganda-Germany relations but also for broader international engagement with Uganda.

It highlights rising political tensions ahead of Uganda’s 2026 election.

It also underscores the growing concerns about human rights and governance in the country.

As of now, there has been no indication of how or when the issue might be resolved, nor whether other European or international partners might react to Uganda’s move.

The German government has not recalled its ambassador.

Also, it remains to be seen whether diplomatic efforts will be made to ease tensions or further measures will follow.

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