KAMPALA, Uganda — Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced plans for a fresh demonstration at the Turkish Embassy in Kampala.
In two separate posts on X, Muhoozi said a demonstration would be held at the Turkish Embassy on September 18, with Hon. Twala Fadhil tasked with overseeing the mobilisation.
“We are demonstrating in full force at the Turkish Embassy on the 18th of September. Hon. Fadhil is in charge of this demonstration,” Muhoozi said.
Fadil is General Secretary of PLU which Gen Muhoozi chairs.
He went on to warn the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) leadership that he expected the organisation to execute the directive effectively.
“PLU better do a good job. My order will not change this time,” he added.
In a second post, Muhoozi said he had cut ties with Turkish interests in Uganda and called for Turkish nationals whom he described as “agents” to be arrested if they contradicted his position.
“My order will not change this time. Instead we will arrest ANY Turkish agent who says anything different!” he said.
He further declared that he had “severed ANYTHING” connected to Turkish interests in Uganda and called on Turkish nationals and interests to leave the country.
“I have already severed ANYTHING to do with the Turks in Uganda. They should pack their bags as soon as possible and get out of our country,” Muhoozi said.
The latest statements mark another escalation in Muhoozi’s criticism of Ankara. Earlier this year, he demanded a financial “security dividend” from Türkiye over Uganda’s long military involvement in Somalia and threatened a series of diplomatic and economic measures against Turkey.
The dispute has also previously centred on Ugandan dissident Fred Lumbuye, whom Ugandan authorities have sought to have returned to Uganda. PLU had earlier organised a demonstration at the Turkish Embassy over the dispute.
Muhoozi’s latest remarks could put additional pressure on Uganda-Türkiye relations.
The planned September 18 demonstration would therefore represent another public manifestation of the tensions.
Turkey and Uganda maintain formal diplomatic relations, with cooperation extending across trade, infrastructure, education and other areas.
More to follow
