The Turkish embassy in Uganda on Wednesday joined millions across Türkiye in commemorating Democracy and National Unity Day, marking the 10th anniversary of the failed military coup attempt of July 15, 2016.
The day honours those who lost their lives while resisting the attempted coup against the democratically elected government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The coup attempt was orchestrated by members of the Fetullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO).
Speaking during a commemoration event at the Turkish Embassy in Kampala, Ambassador Fatih Ak of Türkiye said the occasion recognises the sacrifice of those who died resisting the coup and the courage of citizens who defended democracy and the country's constitutional order.
"The Republic of Türkiye is a state that determines its direction through its national will, preserves its democratic legitimacy, and marches confidently towards the future. The resolve demonstrated on July 15 is a guarantee of our country's long-term stability, independence, and future," he said.
Defining moment
The ambassador said FETO had spent years building a clandestine network within Turkish state institutions before attempting the coup.
"FETO is a multi-layered, international and clandestine terrorist and organised crime organisation with cult-like characteristics rarely seen in history. It sometimes presents itself as a civil society organisation, sometimes as an educational institution, and sometimes as a religious group while pursuing its secret agenda," Ak said.
He described July 15 as a defining moment when the Turkish people demonstrated their determination to defend the country against what he called military betrayal.
"The will of the people cannot be overridden," he said.
Overseas operations weaken
The ambassador also paid tribute to those who died resisting the coup attempt.
"I pray to God for mercy upon the souls of the heroes who never hesitated in the fight against FETO, and upon our martyrs who gave their lives for this cause on and before July 15, and I express my gratitude to our devoted veterans," he said.
Ak said Türkiye continues efforts to dismantle FETO's international networks, adding that although the group's overseas operations have weakened, some remnants remain active under the guise of education, healthcare, and humanitarian services.
"The organisation is attempting to create a narrative of victimhood through false news, regain visibility in the media, and strengthen its cooperation with circles hostile to our country by using propaganda and lobbying resources," he said.
Self-serving elements
He added that many former members had distanced themselves from the organisation after recognsing what he described as its true nature.
"This shadowy organisational structure, and its self-serving, opportunistic and corrupt elements that exploit universal values for their own purposes, pose a threat to all communities abroad that have ties to our country," he said.
The ambassador also acknowledged Uganda's position on the matter, saying the Ugandan government has consistently maintained that it does not support FETO or any other organisation that seeks to destabilise Türkiye.
