Uganda’s security forces have launched a stern accusation against German Ambassador to Uganda, Mathias Schauer, alleging “undiplomatic practices” that they claim are linked to emerging rebel activities within the country.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) said Ambassador Schauer’s conduct violated the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which outlines the legal framework for diplomatic conduct and immunity.
The statement was delivered by the UPDF’s Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Colonel Chris Magezi.
“We have credible intelligence suggesting that Ambassador Schauer has engaged in activities that go beyond diplomatic norms and could potentially destabilize the security of our country,” Col. Magezi stated.
“These actions amount to a breach of Article 41 of the Vienna Convention, which requires diplomats to respect the laws of the host state and not interfere in internal affairs.”
In April 2021, Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Keinerugaba hosted H.E.Matthias Schauer, and Lt.Col.Stefan Hasler, German Defence Attaché at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe where they spoke of increased military cooperation between Uganda and Germany.
Shockingly, four years later,that tone has since changed with the latest allegations that pit the two nations at loggerheads.
The nature of the alleged misconduct was not specified, but Magezi indicated that the ambassador’s actions were under scrutiny in connection with growing concerns about the resurgence of rebel groups in parts of Uganda.
He added that the country’s security apparatus is closely monitoring these groups and will pursue diplomatic channels to address the matter with the German government.
The German Embassy in Kampala has not yet issued a formal response to the allegations. However, diplomatic tensions are expected to rise if the claims are pursued further without substantiation.