Hundreds of Ugandans gathered outside the Turkish Embassy in Kampala on Friday, demanding the extradition of Fred Lumbuye, a Ugandan dissident living in Turkey. Lumbuye’s online posts about Ugandan politics are seen by local authorities as anti-government propaganda, and he faces charges in Uganda related to harmful speech, incitement, and cybercrimes. His presence abroad has given him a platform that critics inside Uganda cannot access, making him a focal point for the country’s political tensions. The protest was organized by the Patriotic League of Uganda, a group led by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the eldest son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. Fadil Twalla, the group’s secretary-general, stated that the demonstrators were not targeting Turkish people but were acting as patriots concerned about Lumbuye’s activities. “He is based in Turkey and has continued to use the territory to attack our national leadership,” Twalla said. Lumbuye could not be reached for comment. Kainerugaba has been vocal in his criticism of Turkish authorities for months, even demanding $1 billion and Turkey’s “most beautiful woman” earlier this year to avoid possible diplomatic consequences. His previous attempts to hold rallies at the Turkish Embassy were repeatedly delayed as diplomats tried to address the issue. Kainerugaba, who is seen as Uganda’s de facto leader and possibly more influential than President Museveni, has announced his intention to run for president in 2031. The Patriotic League of Uganda is currently gathering signatures to show support for his political ambitions. Uganda and Turkey have had broader tensions beyond the issue of Lumbuye. In Somalia, where Ugandan peacekeepers have supported the federal government against al-Shabab militants, Turkey has increasingly become a preferred security partner. Analysts suggest that Uganda may withdraw its troops from Somalia by August 2027, signaling a potential shift in regional alliances. These developments highlight the complex diplomatic and strategic relationships between Uganda and Turkey, which are now under further scrutiny due to the ongoing dispute over Lumbuye.