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Tensions rise as Uganda accuses German envoy of subversive activities following criticism of army chief’s online threats against opposition leader Bobi Wine
Uganda’s army has announced that it is suspending all military cooperation with Germany. The decision comes after Uganda accused the German ambassador, Matthias Schauer, of being involved in “subversive activities” and of being “unqualified” to serve in the country.
No evidence was provided by Ugandan authorities to support the claims, but the move points to growing tensions between the two countries.
Germany has strongly denied the accusations. A spokesperson from Germany’s foreign ministry dismissed the allegations as “absurd and without any merit,” according to Reuters.
The fallout reportedly began after Ambassador Schauer raised concerns about Uganda’s army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, during a private meeting with European Union (EU) diplomats. General Muhoozi is the son of Uganda’s long-serving president, Yoweri Museveni.
According to local media, the ambassador questioned some of General Muhoozi’s recent online statements, including threats made against opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine. General Muhoozi had posted on social media that he would behead Bobi Wine and boasted about torturing the opposition leader’s bodyguard.
These remarks sparked concern, especially among human rights groups, which have long accused the Ugandan government of cracking down on the opposition—particularly before national elections. Bobi Wine, a popular musician turned politician, is expected to challenge President Museveni in next year’s election.
President Museveni has ruled Uganda for nearly 40 years. His government is often criticized for being dominated by his family members. His wife, Janet Museveni, serves as the Minister of Education, while his brother, General Salim Saleh, leads a major government programme called Operation Wealth Creation.
During the recent meeting with EU diplomats, Ambassador Schauer is said to have warned that General Muhoozi’s controversial social media posts were damaging Uganda’s international reputation. In response, General Muhoozi made a public statement saying he had “issues” with the ambassador personally and accused him of being “wholly unqualified” to serve in Uganda. He added that his problem was with the ambassador himself and not with the German people.
Shortly after, Uganda’s army spokesperson, Colonel Chris Magezi, announced the suspension of all military cooperation with Germany. He claimed there were “credible intelligence reports” linking Ambassador Schauer to groups allegedly working against the Ugandan government. However, no evidence was shared to back up these claims.
The suspension will continue, according to the army, until the matter is fully resolved. It is not yet clear what the next steps will be or whether diplomatic ties between the two countries will be affected further.
Germany’s embassy in Uganda states on its website that the two countries have a strong relationship based on “stability and trust.” In 2024, trade between them was valued at around $335 million. However, no specific details were provided about their military partnership.
Uganda has played a key role in regional peacekeeping, especially in Somalia, where it contributes troops to fight extremist groups.
The current row between Uganda and Germany marks a rare public diplomatic dispute and could affect broader international relations, especially as Uganda prepares for its upcoming elections.