Diplomatic tensions don’t usually begin with demands for a billion dollars and a bride, but that is exactly the scenario unfolding after remarks by Ugandan Army Chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
In a series of eyebrow-raising statements, the Ugandan military chief has blended geopolitics with personal wishes, turning what might have been a routine dispute with Turkey into an unusually theatrical episode on the global stage.
Uganda’s military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba demands $1 billion from Turkey — and ‘their most beautiful woman as a wife’
If not, he’s closing their embassy and cutting all diplomatic ties pic.twitter.com/OEzE40hyk7
— RT (@RT_com) April 12, 2026
I advise ALL Ugandans to avoid all travel to Turkey. For your own safety.
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) April 11, 2026
General Muhoozi asked Turkey to pay $1 billion and “the most beautiful woman” for marriage, warning that if his demands are not met, Uganda would sever diplomatic ties with Turkey within 30 days.
In posts on the social media platform X, the Ugandan army chief claimed that Turkey is earning significant profits from infrastructure projects, including ports and airports, in Mogadishu, while Uganda has long borne the heavy responsibility of providing security for these projects.
According to local media, Uganda has deployed troops in Somalia for nearly two decades under an African Union mission to combat the al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab.
General Muhoozi said Uganda’s role in maintaining regional security has not been properly acknowledged and that Turkey should provide financial compensation.
He described it as a simple choice for Turkey: either pay $1 billion or face the closure of its embassy. He added that Uganda would not object if Turkey responded by shutting down Uganda’s embassy in return.
He further warned that diplomatic relations with Turkey could soon be terminated and advised Ugandan citizens to avoid traveling there for their safety.
In his messages, he also openly expressed support for Israel, saying he is ready to deploy 100,000 Ugandan troops under his command to defend it.
This is not the first time General Muhoozi has made controversial statements. His social media activity has frequently drawn attention for unusual and unserious remarks. In October 2022, he even offered 100 rare cows in exchange for marrying Giorgia Meloni, describing them as the most beautiful in the world.
