The African country demands from Ankara a huge sum of money for the benefits obtained from the fight against terrorist groups in Somalia.
These statements have partially diverted attention from the merits of the claim, but at the same time they have amplified its media reach. So far, neither the Turkish government nor the Somali authorities have issued an official response to the statements
The episode takes place in a delicate context for regional security. Uganda has been one of the main contributors of troops in Somalia, playing a key role in containing Al-Shabaab and in maintaining the fragile Somali state structure. Analysts agree that, without this military support, the country could have faced a scenario of greater instability
.At the same time, Turkey has increased its economic and strategic presence in Somalia in recent years, consolidating infrastructure and cooperation projects that have reinforced its influence in the region.
Beyond the provocative tone of the statements, experts point out that Uganda's approach reflects a growing concern in several African countries: the need for a more equitable distribution of benefits derived from regional security.
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
