The head of the Uganda Defense Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, generated international expectations after intensifying his public statements against Turkey, including new messages released through the social network X demanding financial compensation of $1 billion and warning of possible diplomatic retaliation.
Kainerugaba, who is also the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, said that Turkey has benefited economically from relative stability in Somalia without adequately compensating Uganda for its role in the fight against the insurgent group Al-Shabaab. According to him, Ugandan forces have been essential for almost two decades in security operations that protected Somali institutions and facilitated the development of
international projects.In a series of publications, the military chief stated that if Ankara does not respond to his demand, Uganda could close the Turkish embassy in Kampala, which would mean a significant escalation in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The general argues that Ugandan participation in missions backed by the African Union has created the necessary security conditions for foreign actors, including Turkey, to obtain strategic contracts in key sectors such as ports, airports and infrastructure in Mogadishu. From their perspective, this scenario justifies paying a “security dividend” to Uganda for the costs incurred in human and financial terms
.However, the controversy intensified even more after Kainerugaba added personal and highly unusual elements to his demands. In messages also released on X, the military leader stated that, in addition to the economic payment, he wanted “the most beautiful woman in that country as a wife
