Kampala: Hundreds demand Turkey extradite Fred Lumbuye

Hundreds of supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) protested on Friday, September 18, outside the Turkish embassy in Kampala, calling for the extradition of Fred Lumbuye, a critic of the Turkish government, back to Uganda. The demonstration was organized following a call from the head of the army and president of the PLU, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

The Turkish embassy announced the closure of its services on Friday due to the planned protest. According to Daily Monitor, the PLU’s Secretary General, Fadil Twalla, stated that the diplomatic mission had refused to accept the petition and urged the organizers to use diplomatic channels.

Fred Lumbuye has been living in Turkey for several years. Associated Press reports that his legal status in the country remains uncertain. PLU officials claim he is wanted in Uganda on charges of harmful propaganda, incitement, and cybercrime. These allegations do not equate to a conviction, and AP was unable to obtain a comment from Lumbuye.

On September 9, Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced on X that a protest would be held at the embassy on September 18, entrusting its coordination to Fadil Twalla. The general, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, has made numerous statements in recent months demanding Lumbuye’s return to Uganda.

The PLU also disputes reports that Lumbuye’s lawyers have sought asylum in Turkey. No Turkish decision regarding extradition or a potential asylum status had been made public in the latest available reports on Friday.