The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) announced the immediate suspension of all defence and military cooperation with Germany on Sunday, citing credible intelligence reports accusing German Ambassador Mathias Schauer of engaging in subversive activities against the Ugandan government.
In a statement issued by Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, the UPDF declared that the suspension would remain in effect until the allegations surrounding Ambassador Schauer’s involvement with “hostile pseudo political-military forces” operating in Uganda are fully resolved.
“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 statement read.
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The UPDF did not provide specific details about the nature of the alleged activities or the groups involved, but the move marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between Uganda and Germany.
The suspension halts all ongoing defence and military cooperation, which includes joint training programs, intelligence sharing, and other bilateral engagements that have been part of the two nations’ defence relations.
The decision has raised concerns about its potential impact on Uganda’s international partnerships and regional security cooperation.
Germany’s embassy in Kampala has yet to issue an official response to the allegations or the UPDF’s decision.
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Ambassador Schauer, who has served as Germany’s envoy to Uganda since 2022, has been a prominent figure in fostering diplomatic and development ties between the two countries, including support for humanitarian and economic initiatives.
The Ugandan government has not elaborated on the specific evidence prompting the accusations, nor has it indicated whether formal diplomatic measures, such as declaring the ambassador persona non grata, are under consideration.
Analysts suggest that the move could strain Uganda-Germany relations, which have historically been cooperative, particularly in areas of development aid and security.
The UPDF’s statement, shared via the official Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs X account (@MODVA_UPDF), underscores the government’s resolve to address perceived threats to national security. “The suspension will remain in force until the full resolution of the matter,” Colonel Magezi emphasized.
As the situation develops, observers are watching closely for further statements from both Ugandan and German authorities, as well as potential implications for Uganda’s broader foreign policy and regional stability.