KAMPALA, UGANDA — Tensions between Uganda and Türkiye have intensified following a series of disputes involving the extradition of Ugandan political commentator Fred Lumbuye and a multibillion-dollar Standard Gauge Railway contract awarded to Turkish construction firm Yapı Merkezi.
The latest escalation came after the UPDF announced the immediate suspension of all defence and military cooperation with Türkiye, saying the measure would remain in place until outstanding issues between the two countries are resolved.
The military announcement followed growing pressure from Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for Turkish authorities to hand over Lumbuye, a Ugandan government critic living in Türkiye.
On September 18, members of the Patriotic League of Uganda demonstrated outside the Turkish Embassy in Kampala, demanding Lumbuye’s extradition.
The tensions have also spilled into Uganda’s economic relations with Türkiye.
In June, Gen. Muhoozi announced that Uganda had cancelled a contract awarded to Turkish company Yapı Merkezi for construction of the Malaba-Kampala section of the Standard Gauge Railway.
The contract, signed in October 2024, was valued at about $3 billion and covered a 272-kilometre railway section. Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had described the agreement as an important infrastructure project aimed at strengthening regional trade and integration.
Muhoozi’s June announcement came amid the growing dispute with Turkish interests. Reports at the time said the announcement had not initially been confirmed by the ministry responsible for the railway project.
Türkiye and Uganda have also maintained wider security cooperation, including military training, defence-industry cooperation and military equipment.
The latest suspension therefore places the dispute beyond the individual extradition case and railway contract, with defence cooperation between the two countries now formally on hold.
The UPDF has not disclosed the specific outstanding issues behind the suspension or given a date for the resumption of military cooperation.
