Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced that the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) will hold a demonstration at the Turkish Embassy on September 1, saying all concerned parties have already been notified.
The announcement comes amid pressure from Gen. Muhoozi over the case of Fred Kajubi Lumbuye, a Ugandan government critic who has been based in Turkey and whose online activities have attracted controversy in Uganda.
Gen. Muhoozi, who chairs PLU and also serves as Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, said the demonstration would take place in large numbers and without fail.
“PLU shall demonstrate at the Turkish embassy in force on the 1st of September without fail! All concerned have been notified,” Gen. Muhoozi stated.
The planned action is linked to calls by Gen. Muhoozi for Turkish authorities to hand over Lumbuye to Uganda, accusing him of using his platforms to spread messages against the government.
Lumbuye has for years been one of the most outspoken critics of President Yoweri Museveni’s government, with his commentary on social media attracting both supporters and opponents.
The blogger’s presence in Turkey has previously caused diplomatic discussions, with Ugandan authorities expressing concerns over his activities.
Gen. Muhoozi has argued that Lumbuye should face authorities in Uganda over allegations connected to his online statements.
The PLU leader has continued to use his public platforms to demand action on the matter, warning that failure to address Uganda’s concerns would lead to further steps.
The September 1 demonstration is expected to target the Turkish Embassy as PLU seeks to send a message to Turkish authorities regarding Lumbuye’s continued stay in the country.
PLU supporters have said the planned protest is aimed at defending Uganda’s interests and demanding accountability over what they consider a serious matter.
However, the planned demonstration has also raised debate about diplomatic relations between Uganda and Turkey and how disagreements involving citizens abroad should be handled.
Turkey has maintained diplomatic relations with Uganda for years, with cooperation covering areas such as trade, investment and development partnerships.
The dispute involving Lumbuye has therefore attracted attention beyond politics, as it touches on questions of international relations and freedom of expression.
Government critics have often described Lumbuye as a political commentator, while government supporters have accused him of spreading harmful information.
The Ugandan government has previously expressed concern over some of his online activities, although the issue has remained politically sensitive.
Gen. Muhoozi’s announcement places renewed focus on the relationship between Uganda’s political movements, security leadership and foreign governments.
The demonstration will also be closely watched because PLU is led by a serving senior military officer, making the event a matter of national interest.
Security preparations around the Turkish Embassy are expected to be considered ahead of the planned gathering.
The Turkish government and embassy officials have not publicly announced any response to Gen. Muhoozi’s latest statement.
For now, Gen. Muhoozi has maintained that PLU will proceed with the demonstration and that all relevant parties have been informed.
The September 1 protest is likely to keep the debate around Fred Lumbuye, diplomatic relations and political criticism alive in Uganda’s public discussion.
