Kampala April 13, 2026: Uganda military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba has demanded $1 billion from Turkey and said he wants “the most beautiful woman” in the country as his wife, according to posts he made on X on April 12.
Kainerugaba, who serves as Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and is the son of President Yoweri Museveni, also threatened to cut diplomatic relations with Turkey and close its embassy in Kampala within 30 days if his demands are not met.
In a series of social media posts, Kainerugaba claimed Uganda had not been properly compensated for its role in regional security operations, particularly in Somalia.
He said Turkey has benefited financially from infrastructure and business projects in Somalia, including ports and airports in Mogadishu, while Uganda has shouldered major security responsibilities in the region.
Kainerugaba said Uganda should receive $1 billion from Turkey as what he described as a “security dividend” for its long-term military involvement in Somalia.
“Either they pay us, or I close their embassy here,” he wrote in one of the posts, adding that Turkey could also shut Uganda’s embassy in response.
He further warned that diplomatic ties between Uganda and Turkey could soon be severed, saying relations between the two countries should not be treated lightly.
In the same series of posts, the Uganda military chief made another controversial remark by saying Turkey should send him “the most beautiful woman” in the country so he could marry her.
He also advised Ugandans not to travel to Turkey, claiming it was for their safety.
Kainerugaba additionally expressed support for Israel, stating that he would be prepared to deploy 100,000 Ugandan soldiers to protect the country if needed.
This is not the first time Kainerugaba has sparked controversy with unusual public remarks. In 2022, he said he would offer 100 Ankole cows in exchange for the hand in marriage of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
There has been no immediate official response from Turkey regarding the statements.
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