The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has suspended all ongoing defence and military cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany following allegations against German Ambassador to Uganda, Mathias Schauer.
According to Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, the suspension stems from reports that Ambassador Schauer has been actively involved in activities deemed subversive to the Ugandan government.
“The suspension will remain in effect until the matter concerning the Ambassador’s alleged involvement with hostile pseudo-political and military elements operating within Uganda is fully resolved,” Col. Magezi stated.
Last Friday, Uganda’s security agencies accused Ambassador Schauer of engaging in undiplomatic conduct, allegedly linked to rebel activities, Daily Star has learned.
The Inter-Agency Security Committee chaired by the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and comprising the Uganda Police Force, Prisons Service, and various intelligence bodies—is currently working to dismantle terrorist and subversive networks. These groups are reportedly recruiting vulnerable youths, particularly from urban ghettos in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
Col. Magezi said the committee has resolved to take firm action against ringleaders, organizers, and financiers of these groups, which security officials believe aim to disrupt the upcoming general elections scheduled for early next year.
“There is compelling evidence linking the funding and mobilization of anti-government groups to certain accredited European diplomatic missions in Kampala,” he claimed.
“We are particularly concerned about the illegal and clandestine activities of the German Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency Mathias Schauer. Intelligence reports point to a pattern of undiplomatic behavior across various regions, in violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which governs international diplomatic conduct,” Magezi added.
“The UPDF and the Inter-Agency Security Committee strongly condemn any form of foreign interference in Uganda’s internal affairs and will take decisive action against those seeking to destabilize the country,” Col. Magezi said.
