Ugandan security services have accused the German ambassador to Uganda, Mathias Schauer of supporting rebel activities.
In a Friday statement, the acting UPDF spokesperson, Col Chris Magezi said the army and the Inter-Agency Security Committee are concerned of the illegal and clandestine engagements that contravene international diplomatic norms that the ambassador is allegedly involved in.
“We are particularly concerned about the illegal and clandestine activities of the German Ambassador in Uganda, His Excellency Mathias Schauer. The intelligence services are aware about his clearly undiplomatic practices that have been taking place in different parts of the country… contrary to the spirit of the 1961 Vienna Diplomatic Convention that regulates cordial relations between states,” Col Magezi said.
According to the army spokesperson, security and intelligence services have in the past few months arrested and interrogated several suspects with links to organised armed rebellion, plot to bomb populated public places, and economic sabotage through the vandalism of electricity infrastructure power lines in some parts of the country especially in central Uganda.
He noted that some of the arrested suspects previously passed off as opposition political party activists especially of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party.
“There is strong evidence tracing some of the funding and mobilisation for the negative and traitorous groups opposed to the NRM government to some accredited European diplomatic missions in Kampala.”
He said security condemns foreign influence meddling in Uganda’s internal affairs and that it will take decisive action against those who seek to destabilise the country.
“The youths of Uganda are advised to avoid falling in the trap set by enemy political actors who seek to exploit their vulnerability for political ends. They are further advised to embrace government wealth creation initiatives and youth development programmes for their long term wellbeing.”
“ The local treacherous lot and agents of foreign manipulation in the politics and security of our country will continue to be identified, isolated, and dealt with firmly in accordance with the laws of the land. “
Whereas the German Embassy is yet to issue a statement in response to the army’s claims, it is expected that the accusations might spark a diplomatic row between Uganda and Germany.
It could also threaten ties between the two countries that were established in 1962, directly after Uganda gained independence.
Germany is a major donor of development aid to Uganda with much of its aid being in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency, promotion of civil society and agriculture and rural development, including the protection of the country’s water resources.
Germany also provides humanitarian aid for refugees in Uganda.
The development comes a day after the protest to the senior presidential advisor on military affairs, Gen Salim Saleh by Ambassador Schauer.
During a meeting at Gulu together with other EU Ambassadors, Schauer expressed concern over threatening social media posts by the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Whereas Gen Saleh said he was sorry for the posts, he said he wasn’t sure about what the CDF would tweet next.
