The German Ambassador to Uganda, Matthias Schauer, was reportedly expelled from Ethiopia where he previously served as deputy head of mission after attempting to interfere in the country's internal affairs.
Mr Schauer is said to have been asked to leave after working to undermine Ethiopia's political leadership through clandestine activities aimed at forcing regime change.
It comes as no surprise that the same ambassador has now been accused of supporting rebel-like activities against the Ugandan government.
Notably, Schauer has been stationed in Uganda for nearly five years—an unusually long tenure, as most ambassadors typically serve for a maximum of three years. Observers suggest his history of meddling in the internal affairs of host nations may explain his extended stay. He was posted to Uganda on July 25, 2020, following his assignment in Ethiopia, where he also engaged with the African Union.
UPDF Speaks Out on Security Threats
Meanwhile, Uganda’s security and intelligence agencies have uncovered alleged links between foreign diplomatic missions and groups suspected of plotting armed rebellion, bomb attacks, and economic sabotage. In a Friday statement, Acting Director of Defence Public Information Colonel Chris Magezi revealed that several suspects connected to planned attacks on public places and vandalism of electricity infrastructure have been arrested in recent months.
Colonel Magezi expressed particular concern over foreign involvement, stating, “We are especially alarmed by the illegal and clandestine activities of the German Ambassador in Uganda, His Excellency Matthias Schauer. Our intelligence services are aware of his clearly undiplomatic practices that violate the spirit of the 1961 Vienna Diplomatic Conventions.”
Some of the arrested suspects allegedly disguised themselves as activists of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party. Many have since been charged and remain in custody awaiting trial.
According to Colonel Magezi, districts most affected by electricity vandalism include Wakiso, Mukono, Kayunga, Luweero, Nakaseke, Kiboga, Nakasongola, Mityana, Mubende, Mpigi, and the greater Masaka region.
The Inter-Agency Security Committee, which includes the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Police, Prisons, and Intelligence Services, has intensified operations to dismantle subversive cells, particularly in the greater Kampala metropolitan area. During its latest meeting, the committee resolved to take firm action against the leaders, organizers, and funders of what it describes as rebel activities aimed at disrupting the 2026 general elections.
Criticism of European Diplomacy and Public Backlash
Meanwhile, veteran journalist and social commentator Andrew Mwenda has accused European envoys of perpetuating a "racial superiority complex" in their engagements with African governments, arguing that their approach often mirrors colonial-era paternalism. Mwenda, a vocal commentator, condemned what he termed as hypocritical threats and lectures from diplomats whose own governments face scrutiny over human rights violations elsewhere, such as in Gaza.
While acknowledging the value of international solidarity, he stressed that Africans "do not need help from Europe" but rather "collaboration" grounded in mutual respect. His remarks reflect broader frustrations over Western diplomats' perceived interference in Uganda’s internal affairs, particularly ahead of the 2026 elections .
Meanwhile, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a group allied with the Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced plans to demonstrate at the German Embassy in Kampala to protest Ambassador Matthias Schauer’s alleged "clandestine activities." The move follows the Ugandan military’s public accusations that Schauer supported rebel-linked opposition groups.
On social media, many Ugandans have cheered the security forces’ stance, with some applauding the government for "standing up to foreign meddling."
