The Ugandan government has directly accused the German Ambassador, His Excellency Mathias Schauer, of engaging in activities that it claims support a rebel scheme tied to the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP).
The government says the allegations are based on intelligence linking the envoy to efforts aimed at destabilising the country ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Thursday, the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) claimed that recent security operations had uncovered plots involving organised armed rebellion, sabotage of infrastructure, and youth radicalisation, all allegedly supported by foreign interests—chief among them Germany.
“The security and intelligence services have over the past few months arrested and interrogated several suspects with links to organised armed rebellion, plots to bomb populated places, and acts of economic sabotage,” said acting Defence and Military Spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi.
He named several affected districts, including Wakiso, Luweero, Mukono, Kayunga, Nakaseke, Kiboga, Mpigi, and the greater Masaka region, as hotbeds of these emerging threats.
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Thursday, the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) claimed that recent security operations had uncovered plots involving organised armed rebellion, sabotage of infrastructure, and youth radicalisation, all allegedly supported by foreign interests—chief among them Germany.
“The security and intelligence services have over the past few months arrested and interrogated several suspects with links to organised armed rebellion, plots to bomb populated places, and acts of economic sabotage,” said acting Defence and Military Spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi.
He named several affected districts, including Wakiso, Luweero, Mukono, Kayunga, Nakaseke, Kiboga, Mpigi, and the greater Masaka region, as hotbeds of these emerging threats.
According to Magezi, many suspects claimed affiliation with NUP and had been acting under the guise of political activism to conceal subversive agendas.
What has sparked international concern, however, is the army’s unprecedented decision to publicly name a sitting Western diplomat in connection with what the government describes as "clearly undiplomatic practices."
“We are particularly concerned about the illegal and clandestine activities of the German Ambassador in Uganda, His Excellency Mathias Schauer,” Magezi said, alleging violations of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The army did not present specific evidence but stated that Uganda was following up the matter through the appropriate diplomatic channels.
What has sparked international concern, however, is the army’s unprecedented decision to publicly name a sitting Western diplomat in connection with what the government describes as "clearly undiplomatic practices."
“We are particularly concerned about the illegal and clandestine activities of the German Ambassador in Uganda, His Excellency Mathias Schauer,” Magezi said, alleging violations of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The army did not present specific evidence but stated that Uganda was following up the matter through the appropriate diplomatic channels.
“We cannot allow foreign missions to conduct activities that compromise our national security,” Magezi added.
The statement further alleged that Ambassador Schauer’s movements and engagements in certain parts of the country had raised red flags within the intelligence community.
The statement further alleged that Ambassador Schauer’s movements and engagements in certain parts of the country had raised red flags within the intelligence community.
Officials believe some of these activities involve interactions with individuals suspected of plotting to disrupt the electoral process.
“The Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the Inter-Agency Security Committee strongly condemn foreign influence meddling in Uganda’s internal affairs and will take decisive action against those who seek to destabilise the country,” Magezi warned.
In addition to alleged foreign interference, the UPDF expressed alarm over radicalisation campaigns targeting young people in urban slums, particularly in the greater Kampala metropolitan area. The army accused subversive groups of exploiting disaffected youth and drawing them into what it called “rebel activities.”
Magezi advised the youth to steer clear of political agitation and instead participate in government-sponsored wealth creation and development programmes.
“They are further advised to embrace government initiatives for their long-term wellbeing,” he said, urging parents and community leaders to be vigilant against recruiters from these so-called subversive cells.
While the German Embassy in Kampala has not issued a formal response, the accusations mark a significant escalation in Uganda’s strained relations with some Western nations.
“The Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the Inter-Agency Security Committee strongly condemn foreign influence meddling in Uganda’s internal affairs and will take decisive action against those who seek to destabilise the country,” Magezi warned.
In addition to alleged foreign interference, the UPDF expressed alarm over radicalisation campaigns targeting young people in urban slums, particularly in the greater Kampala metropolitan area. The army accused subversive groups of exploiting disaffected youth and drawing them into what it called “rebel activities.”
Magezi advised the youth to steer clear of political agitation and instead participate in government-sponsored wealth creation and development programmes.
“They are further advised to embrace government initiatives for their long-term wellbeing,” he said, urging parents and community leaders to be vigilant against recruiters from these so-called subversive cells.
While the German Embassy in Kampala has not issued a formal response, the accusations mark a significant escalation in Uganda’s strained relations with some Western nations.
The European Union and Germany are among Uganda’s major development partners, and direct accusations against their representatives are rare.
Political observers note that the timing of these allegations is consistent with a historical pattern in Ugandan politics.
Political observers note that the timing of these allegations is consistent with a historical pattern in Ugandan politics.
Similar claims of rebellion and foreign interference have often surfaced in the lead-up to elections, typically involving opposition figures—particularly those aligned with NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
Rights groups and analysts have frequently criticised the Ugandan government for using national security concerns as a pretext to suppress political dissent and intimidate critics.
However, this latest episode stands out due to the explicit naming of a foreign ambassador, a move seen as both bold and diplomatically risky.
“The government will not tolerate any attempt—foreign or domestic—to undermine peace, stability, and the constitutional order of Uganda,” Magezi emphasized.
Rights groups and analysts have frequently criticised the Ugandan government for using national security concerns as a pretext to suppress political dissent and intimidate critics.
However, this latest episode stands out due to the explicit naming of a foreign ambassador, a move seen as both bold and diplomatically risky.
“The government will not tolerate any attempt—foreign or domestic—to undermine peace, stability, and the constitutional order of Uganda,” Magezi emphasized.
“Those found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
Post a Comment
0Comments