Once again, European politicians seem adrift from Africa’s military-led governments.
At first glance, Uganda’s decision to suspend defence cooperation with Germany appears symbolic. After all, no formal military links existed between the two.
However, Uganda's defence spokesperson insists on "credible intelligence" implicating Ambassador Mathias Schauer in subversive schemes. Berlin replied with contempt, dismissing the claims as "absurd".
The truth behind the spat matters less than its timing.
Germany finds itself clashing with Uganda weeks after Rwanda severed diplomatic lines with Belgium.
Whilst Germany clashes, Chad eyes the Alliance of Sahel States (AES): a pact rooted in defiance of European intrusion.
Together, these moves form a pattern: military-led governments across Africa are choosing to walk away from Western partnerships.
Why Germany Was Watching Uganda’s Politics Closely?
German diplomats, like their European peers, do not engage Uganda out of curiosity alone.
Their interest sharpens as Uganda approaches the 2026 elections. President Museveni seeks yet another term, despite being in office since 1986.
Meanwhile, opposition forces, including the National Unity Platform under Bobi Wine, gain traction, especially among younger voters.
Recent events have drawn concern. Bobi Wine’s bodyguard vanished and was later found in a secret prison, showing signs of torture.
The state had earlier shut down dozens of NGOs and even expelled the UN human rights office.
Apparently, these actions do not sit well with Berlin.
Europe’s Misreading of Africa’s New Generals
What began with a photograph of opposition leader Bobi Wine shaking hands with European envoys has spiralled into diplomatic freefall.
But to Uganda’s elite, especially to Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni, that appeared as an attempt to meddle in domestic affairs.
After Ambassador Schauer asked influential general Salim Saleh to calm his nephew’s online rants, it was taken as a slight. Kainerugaba fired back online: “He is wholly unqualified to be in Uganda.”
The fallout reveals a deeper failure: Europe’s habit of treating Africa’s political-military class as if 1990s liberal templates still applied.
This blind spot now proves costly.
In the Sahel, military regimes forced France out of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Côte d’Ivoire’s quieter break from French troops only confirms the broader retreat.
What Uganda Signals About the Great Lakes
Uganda’s outburst is not only about Schauer or funding threats. It echoes Rwanda’s fury at Belgium, which Kigali accuses of historical sabotage and present-day scheming.
Paul Kagame’s “go to hell” remark aimed at Brussels was more than rage; it reopened colonial injuries that never healed.
Meanwhile, Chad leans closer to the AES, whose military rulers distrust Western interference. The bloc’s rise, though born in the Sahel, now appeals to regions further east.
This growing appetite for regional self-rule means Uganda’s reaction could become less an anomaly and more a norm.
Western Development Ideology
Opponents argue these trends hurt development. Western aid, they say, brings schools, clinics, and training. Losing European partners means less oversight and more corruption. They also warn that shunning NATO countries could open the door to Russian and Chinese influence.
Such warnings presume Europe still holds leverage. Yet many African armies already rely on Russia for hardware. Others, like in the AES, now pool strength. The old donor-recipient model lacks pull.
Uganda’s government no longer fears losing goodwill in Berlin; it mocks it.
A Model for Mutual Respect
Perhaps Europe must rethink its stance. Rather than acting as patrons, its leaders must meet African military governments with a certain respect for their sovereignty, even when values clash.
That does not mean endorsing every measure. But scolding from afar no longer works.
Open channels must allow frank talks, not finger-wagging.
Where This Heads Next
If Uganda doubles down, Germany may quietly withdraw staff or restrict aid. But that won’t reverse the tide.
A few years ago, Europe dismissed the Sahel’s break with France as local flair. Then Côte d’Ivoire negotiated its own exit. Now Uganda joins the chorus.
It’s time Berlin learned the lesson France learned too late.
European states must now treat African armies not as pupils, but as partners – grudging ones, perhaps, but sovereign all the same.
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