The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) announced the immediate suspension of all joint training exercises, equipment transfers, and intelligence sharing agreements with the Turkish Armed Forces. The decision, communicated by Defence Minister James Mugisha, follows a series of diplomatic rows over alleged support for rebel groups operating in the Great Lakes region. “Our priority is the security of Ugandan citizens and the sovereignty of our nation,” Mugisha stated. The suspension will affect the ongoing “Operation Eagle Shield” program, which had seen Turkish instructors training Ugandan troops in counter‑insurgency tactics. Ankara has called for a diplomatic dialogue, but Kampala has indicated that any resumption will depend on concrete assurances that Turkish activities will not undermine regional stability.
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