Uganda’s military chief Muhoozi orders Turkish nationals to leave the country

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has issued a sweeping directive ordering all Turkish nationals to leave Uganda immediately.

The announcement, made through his official social media accounts on Wednesday, marks the most dramatic escalation yet in a dispute that has been simmering for months between Kampala and Ankara.

In his statement, Muhoozi declared that he had “severed anything to do with the Turks in Uganda” and warned that anyone acting as a Turkish agent during a planned protest at the Turkish Embassy on September 18 would face arrest.

He appointed legislator Twala Fadhil to lead the demonstration, which he described as a ‘full‑force mobilisation.’ The protest is expected to include a march through Kampala and a sit‑in outside the embassy.

"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," he posted.

"We are demonstrating in full force at the Turkish Embassy on the 18th of September. Hon.Fadhil is in charge of this demonstration. PLU better do a good job. My order will not change this time. Instead we will arrest ANY Turkish agent who says anything different!"

The directive has stunned diplomats and expatriates alike. Uganda and Türkiye have enjoyed cordial relations for years, with cooperation spanning trade, infrastructure, education, and cultural exchanges.

Turkish companies are active in construction, manufacturing, and hospitality sectors, while Turkish Airlines has been a key link between Kampala and global markets. The abrupt order to expel Turkish nationals threatens to unravel these ties overnight.

Muhoozi’s latest move follows a series of inflammatory remarks he has made against Türkiye in recent months. Earlier this year, he demanded that Ankara pay Uganda a “security dividend” of $1 billion, citing Uganda’s long military involvement in Somalia. He also threatened to close the Turkish Embassy and ban Turkish Airlines flights. His rhetoric has often been framed as personal declarations, but given his position as commander of the defence forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni, his words carry significant weight.

Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued a formal statement, and the Turkish Embassy in Kampala has remained silent. Analysts say Ankara is likely to express concern, given the safety of its citizens and the potential collapse of bilateral agreements. The expulsion order could affect hundreds of Turkish nationals, including businesspeople, aid workers, and embassy staff.

The fallout is expected to reverberate across East Africa. In neighbouring Kenya, authorities recently intensified scrutiny of undocumented foreign traders, mandating registration within 90 days to continue operations legally.

The crackdown followed incidents of harassment involving Burundian traders. Observers note that Muhoozi’s directive in Uganda may embolden similar nationalist policies in the region, deepening uncertainty for migrant communities.

Muhoozi’s critics argue that his pronouncements are destabilising Uganda’s foreign policy and risk isolating the country. Supporters, however, frame his stance as a bold assertion of sovereignty and resistance to foreign interference. Within Uganda, his Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has been tasked with executing the embassy protest, further blurring the line between military authority and political mobilisation.

The diplomatic crisis comes at a time when Uganda is grappling with economic challenges, including rising inflation and declining foreign investment. Türkiye has been a significant partner in infrastructure projects, including road construction and energy development. Analysts warn that severing ties could stall ongoing projects and deter future investment.

As the September 18 protest approaches, all eyes will be on Kampala to see whether Muhoozi’s decree translates into concrete action or remains another of his controversial pronouncements.