KAMPALA— Uganda has suspended all military and defense cooperation with Turkey amid a diplomatic dispute over the alleged refusal by Ankara to extradite Ugandan political commentator Fred Lumbuye, a prominent critic of President Yoweri Museveni.

Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson Chris Magezi announced the decision in a statement posted on X, saying the suspension would take effect immediately.

“The Uganda People’s Defence Forces has, with immediate effect, suspended all defense and military cooperation with the Republic of Turkey,” Magezi said.

The move follows growing tensions between Ugandan authorities and Turkish officials over Lumbuye, who is based in Turkey and has been sought by Ugandan authorities.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Lumbuye faces 15 criminal charges in Uganda, including allegations of inciting violence, spreading false information and misuse of a computer. He has been a vocal critic of the Ugandan government and President Museveni.

Uganda’s army commander, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the president’s son, has reportedly been involved in efforts to secure Lumbuye’s return to Uganda. AFP reported that Kainerugaba has repeatedly clashed with Turkish officials over the issue.

The dispute has also triggered protests in Kampala. On Friday, thousands of Ugandans affiliated with the Uganda Patriotic League, a social and political pressure group linked to Kainerugaba, demonstrated outside the Turkish Embassy in the Ugandan capital, according to AFP.

The suspension of military cooperation marks a significant escalation in tensions between Uganda and Turkey as the dispute over Lumbuye’s case continues.