The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced the immediate suspension of all defence and military cooperation with Türkiye, citing unresolved issues between the two countries.
In a statement issued in Kampala on Saturday, September 19, 2026, the UPDF said the suspension would remain in force until the outstanding matters concerning mutual defence and military cooperation are resolved.
“The Uganda People’s Defence Forces has with immediate effect suspended all and any Defence and Military cooperation with the Republic of Türkiye,” said Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF.
The statement did not specify the issues behind the decision, and the reasons for the suspension have not officially been communicated.
The announcement follows months of strained relations between Kampala and Ankara, partly linked to Uganda’s military involvement in Somalia and Türkiye’s growing economic and security interests in the country.
In April, UPDF Commander Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba demanded $1 billion from Türkiye, arguing that Uganda deserved compensation for its long-standing military contribution to Somalia’s security.
Ugandan forces have participated in African Union-led operations in Somalia for nearly two decades, fighting Al-Shabaab militants and supporting efforts to stabilise the country.
Muhoozi also warned that Uganda could close the Turkish Embassy in Kampala if its demands were not addressed.
It remains unclear whether the concerns raised in April are among the outstanding issues referred to in the latest UPDF statement.
Lumbuye Demonstration at Turkish Embassy
The suspension also comes a day after supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) demonstrated at the Turkish Embassy in Kampala, demanding the extradition of Ugandan activist Fred Lumbuye from Türkiye.
According to PLU Secretary-General Twala Fadhil, the demonstrators found the embassy closed when they arrived. Twala said security personnel at the embassy advised them to communicate their concerns through Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The demonstration was part of growing pressure from PLU supporters over Lumbuye’s continued stay in Türkiye.