KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s security establishment has issued a sharp rebuke of what it describes as foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs, with the German ambassador in Kampala, Mathias Schauer, singled out in an extraordinary public accusation of involvement in subversive activities.
In a press statement released Friday, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Inter-Agency Security Committee alleged that Schauer has been engaged in “illegal and clandestine” operations across the country, which they claim breach the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
“We are particularly concerned about the illegal and clandestine activities of the German Ambassador… which go against the spirit of the 1961 Vienna Diplomatic Conventions,” said Col. Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information.
Security Forces Closely Monitoring Emerging Rebel Groups in the CountryKampala, Friday May 23, 2025The security and intelligence services have over the past few months arrested and interrogated several suspects with links to organised armed rebellion, plot to bomb populated
He added that Uganda is addressing the matter through diplomatic channels.
The allegations come amid an ongoing crackdown on what authorities describe as emerging rebel cells linked to economic sabotage, planned terror attacks, and efforts to disrupt the 2026 general elections.
The security services say they have arrested multiple suspects in recent months, many of whom have been charged in court and remanded in custody.
Authorities allege that the groups involved in vandalizing electricity infrastructure and plotting bomb attacks have links to opposition movements, specifically pointing to individuals associated with the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Several central and western districts—including Wakiso, Mukono, Kayunga, and the greater Masaka region—have reportedly been targeted for attacks on power lines.
According to the UPDF, intelligence points to external financial and logistical support for these groups, with certain diplomatic missions allegedly implicated in funding anti-government operations.
Security officials say they are monitoring Kampala’s informal settlements and urban centres for recruitment networks, and have pledged to dismantle what they describe as “terrorist and subversive cells” that are targeting vulnerable youth.
“The committee has resolved to take firm action against the ringleaders, organisers, and funders of these rebel activities,” said Magezi, warning that the government will act decisively to protect the country’s stability.
The accusation against Ambassador Schauer is likely to strain Uganda-Germany relations and could spark a wider diplomatic row if not quickly resolved.
The German embassy in Kampala has yet to issue a response to the claims.
Meanwhile, Ugandan authorities have urged the youth to reject what they term as “foreign manipulation” and instead take advantage of government development programmes and economic initiatives.
