Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has advised government ministers to seek his permission before traveling abroad. He clarified that he did not authorize Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo’s recent trip to Türkiye.
In a post on X on Saturday, September 26, 2026, Muhoozi emphasized that Kasolo must justify his decision to travel without the necessary clearance.
“All ministers must secure my permission before leaving the country. I did not approve Hon. Kasolo’s visit to Turkey, and he will need to provide an explanation,” Muhoozi stated.
He further added, “My contact information is public; all ministers must inform me before departing Uganda.”
Additionally, Muhoozi announced a financial penalty for ministers who travel without his authorization, stating that the funds will support infrastructure development.
“Any minister who leaves the country without my consent will incur a fine of 30 million shillings. We will allocate these funds to road construction. The Ministry of Finance will implement this directive immediately,” he declared.
This announcement comes amidst rising tensions between Uganda and Türkiye, with Muhoozi taking a firm stance on matters involving Ankara.
Regarding Kasolo’s engagements, he has actively participated in various diplomatic discussions recently. Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Ministry records indicate that he represented the nation at the 74th Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers in Djibouti on September 16, advocating for enhanced regional cooperation.
Reports from Uganda’s Embassy in Ankara reveal that Kasolo engaged in discussions in Türkiye covering trade, healthcare, investment, and coffee processing. Notably, he visited Medistate Hospital in Istanbul, where they explored opportunities in medical tourism, health technologies, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment. This visit also led to a memorandum of understanding between Medistate Hospital and Bujjuko Hospital in Kampala.
Kasolo’s visit occurs at a critical juncture in Uganda-Türkiye relations. Muhoozi has recently voiced concerns regarding Türkiye in relation to Ugandan activist Fred Kajubi Lumbuye, who resides there. On September 18, 2026, supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda, which Muhoozi leads, protested outside the Turkish Embassy in Kampala, calling for Lumbuye’s return.
In light of unresolved issues regarding bilateral security cooperation, Uganda’s military has announced a suspension of defense and military collaboration with Türkiye. Consequently, Muhoozi’s latest directive places Kasolo’s trip under scrutiny, requiring him to explain his travel without the necessary clearance.
