By Spy Uganda
Uganda’s political and diplomatic atmosphere grew more charged this week after the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) accused the German Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Mathias Schauer, of allegedly engaging in covert support to rebel groups—an accusation swiftly dismissed by opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
In a strongly worded press release dated May 23, 2025, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs revealed that security and intelligence agencies had arrested several suspects linked to organized armed rebellion, plots to bomb populated areas, and acts of economic sabotage—including the vandalism of electricity infrastructure in central Uganda.
Among the districts named as worst affected by these acts were Wakiso, Mukono, Kayunga, Luweero, Nakaseke, Kiboga, Nakasongola, Mityana, Mubende, Mpigi, and the greater Masaka region.
The UPDF claims that some of the arrested individuals had previously posed as political activists, particularly from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s leading opposition party.
But the most explosive revelation came with allegations leveled against Ambassador Mathias Schauer, whom the UPDF accuses of breaching international diplomatic protocols by offering clandestine support to rebel elements allegedly trying to destabilize Uganda.
“He [Schauer] has broken international laws and is operating in ways that contravene his diplomatic responsibilities,” said UPDF spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi.
Bobi Wine Responds: “A Tired and Dangerous Narrative”
Opposition leader Bobi Wine was quick to respond, describing the UPDF’s claims as “fabricated lies” meant to discredit both the political opposition and concerned members of the international community.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Bobi Wine revealed that just days before the accusations, Ambassador Schauer and other European diplomats had met with General Salim Saleh, President Museveni’s brother, in Gulu.
According to Wine, during that meeting, the diplomats raised serious concerns about inflammatory statements made by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the President’s son, who has drawn criticism for using social media to issue militaristic threats.
“The regime is clearly retaliating against international actors who dare question its excesses,” said Bobi Wine. “They fabricate stories to justify repression, arrests, torture, and even disappearances.”
He added: “This is the same tired script the government always resorts to—labeling opposition members and foreign allies as rebel sympathizers to shield itself from accountability.”
Security Forces Vow Tougher Measures
The UPDF says the accusations are not without basis. The Inter-Agency Security Committee, chaired by the Chief of Defence Forces and including the Uganda Police Force, Prisons Services, and intelligence bodies, has pledged to disrupt subversive cells that allegedly recruit youth into rebellion, particularly within Kampala’s ghetto communities.
The committee has vowed to take “firm action” against what it terms as ringleaders, funders, and coordinators of rebellion, which they claim are part of a larger scheme to disrupt the 2026 general elections.
The suspects, according to the military, have already been charged in courts of law and are being held in custody pending trial.
Rising Political Tensions and Diplomatic Scrutiny
These developments come as Uganda heads into a tense election period, with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) already launching its internal electoral processes. Tensions are running high as both the opposition and international observers keep a close watch on the government’s next steps.
While government officials continue to assert that Uganda is stable and secure, Bobi Wine insists that accusations like these are aimed at silencing dissent and intimidating voices that demand reform.
“The people of Uganda will not be silenced,” he affirmed. “We will continue to speak the truth and pursue a just, democratic future—peacefully.”
