PLU Protests at Turkish Embassy, Demands Lumbuye's Extradition

Supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) staged a protest at the Turkish Embassy in Kampala, urging the Turkish government to extradite Fred Lumbuye. Lumbuye, a social media critic, is wanted in Uganda to face criminal charges.

The demonstration was spearheaded by PLU Secretary General Fadil Twalla, acting on a directive from PLU chairman, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The planned protest led the Turkish Embassy to announce its closure on Friday.

Twalla expressed strong opposition to reports indicating that Lumbuye’s legal representatives had sought asylum for him in Turkey. He asserted that Lumbuye should return to Uganda to account for his actions.

“Lumbuye is not a refugee. He went to Turkey seeking a job and survival. Therefore, the continued harbouring of a person who is wanted to face justice in Uganda is a betrayal of the friendship between Uganda and Turkey,” Twalla stated during the protest.

He emphasized the long-standing relationship between Uganda and Turkey, highlighting cooperation in trade and investment, and called for a reciprocal approach to their friendship. Twalla urged the Turkish Ambassador, Mehmet, to swiftly relay the protesters’ demands to Ankara.

“To the Turkish Government, we ask you to produce Fred Lumbuye to face justice in Uganda. If you truly respect Uganda’s sovereignty and legal system, a friendship that is one-sided is not friendship,” he added, warning that PLU might reconsider Turkish interests in Uganda if the issue remains unresolved.

This action is part of ongoing efforts by PLU to pressure Turkey regarding Lumbuye’s continued presence in the country.