# Uganda Suspends Military Cooperation with Türkiye

Uganda has suspended all defense and military cooperation with the Republic of Türkiye, directly impacting a $3 billion railway contract awarded to Turkish construction firm Yapı Merkezi. This suspension, announced by the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesman Chris Magezi, halts nearly a decade of military collaboration amid diplomatic tensions related to the extradition of a Ugandan political commentator. Procurement professionals and contractors involved in this project or similar international infrastructure and defense collaborations should assess the risks of geopolitical disputes affecting contract execution and consider contingency planning.

- The $3 billion railway contract awarded to Yapı Merkezi is at risk due to the suspension of military and defense ties between Uganda and Türkiye.
- Procurement and project management teams should evaluate contractual clauses related to force majeure or political risk to mitigate potential disruptions.
- Companies engaged in international defense or infrastructure projects should monitor diplomatic relations closely as they can directly influence contract viability and timelines.
- This development underscores the importance of integrating geopolitical risk assessments into procurement strategies for large-scale international contracts.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Policy
**Published:** September 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF)
- Republic of Türkiye

### Vendors
- Yapı Merkezi (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has with immediate effect suspended all and any Defence and Military cooperation with the Republic of Turkiye.
> — Chris Magezi, Army Spokesman

### Sources
- [$3 billion railway contract threatened, 10-year military cooperation suspended as Uganda draws battle lines with world’s 9th-ranked military power | Business Insider Africa](https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/dollar3-billion-railway-contract-threatened-10-year-military-cooperation-suspended-as/yf16nzy) - Business Insider Africa