Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), has intensified his criticism of Turkey following a demonstration by PLU supporters at the Turkish Embassy in Kampala.
Muhoozi praised the PLU supporters who participated in the demonstration, describing them as patriotic Ugandans who had demonstrated courage and determination while pressing the group’s demands before the Turkish authorities.
“I thank the great patriotic masses of PLU for their demonstration at the Turkish Embassy yesterday. They proved that they have the spirit of lions,” Muhoozi posted on X.
He then issued a strong message directed at Turkey, saying that he expected the Turkish authorities to comply with the demands being made by the Ugandan side. He further warned that failure to do so could have consequences for Turkish interests in Uganda.
“The Turks will comply with all our demands. If they don’t life will become untenable for them in Uganda,” Muhoozi said in the post.
The demonstration took place on September 18, 2026, when hundreds of PLU supporters marched toward the Turkish Embassy in Kampala. The protesters were demanding that Turkey hand over Ugandan government critic and political commentator Fred Kajubi Lumbuye to face charges in Uganda.
The demonstration was led by PLU Secretary General Fadil Twalla, following a directive from Muhoozi. The group had mobilised supporters from different parts of the country before marching from the Lugogo Cricket Oval toward the Turkish diplomatic mission in Kololo.
PLU leaders said their main concern was Lumbuye’s continued presence in Turkey. They accused him of using social media to make statements against Uganda’s leadership and demanded that he return to Uganda to answer the allegations brought against him.
Twalla said the protesters were not demonstrating against the Turkish people but were seeking action from the Turkish government over Lumbuye. He said PLU wanted Turkey to respect Uganda’s sovereignty and judicial processes.
The Turkish Embassy had announced that it would temporarily close on September 18 because of the planned demonstration. The embassy also advised Turkish citizens about the closure as the protest was expected to take place near its premises.
