Uganda has suspended all military cooperation with Germany, citing alleged “subversive activities” by German Ambassador Matthias Schauer, including support for anti-government groups and interference in internal affairs. The announcement, made by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), follows intelligence reports linking Ambassador Schauer to meetings with so-called “traitorous elements,” including General Salim Saleh, President Yoweri Museveni’s brother. Schauer reportedly criticized the social media conduct of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son and current army chief, calling it politically destabilizing.
Though Germany has not yet officially responded, the diplomatic fallout risks ending decades of defense collaboration. Germany has provided logistics, training, and technical assistance to Uganda’s military and security forces, particularly in peacekeeping and counterterrorism. In 2023, bilateral trade between the two countries topped $335 million, with Germany serving as a key development partner in areas such as energy, education, and public health.
The breakdown in ties comes amid growing international scrutiny of Uganda’s political climate ahead of the 2026 presidential elections, where Muhoozi is widely rumored to be a potential successor to his father. The government has increasingly accused Western nations of backing dissident groups and undermining national sovereignty.
The German Foreign Office has been urged by European lawmakers to seek clarification, but as of yet, no formal diplomatic protest has been issued. Analysts warn the move could trigger broader repercussions in EU-Africa relations, especially as Uganda recalibrates its foreign partnerships toward non-Western powers, including Russia and China.
