Kampala, Uganda – Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash A. Maangi, has formally requested a meeting with General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Uganda’s People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), to address concerns over a recent publication in Kenya’s Standard newspaper.
The diplomatic request, conveyed through Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follows the newspaper’s February 28, 2025, front-page article titled “Four-star brat”, which criticized Gen. Kainerugaba’s leadership style and growing influence in Uganda’s military. The article described him as erratic and linked his actions to controversial diplomatic incidents.
Kenya Seeks Diplomacy Amid Growing Tensions
The Kenyan High Commission expressed concern that the publication undermined Gen. Kainerugaba’s position and could strain the historically strong ties between Kenya and Uganda. The diplomatic mission emphasized the importance of open dialogue to resolve any misunderstandings arising from such media reports.
This request for a meeting comes as tensions continue to escalate. The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a group aligned with Muhoozi’s political aspirations, has announced plans for a demonstration outside the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala. PLU accuses the Kenyan media of disrespecting their leader and has vowed to push back against what they perceive as unfair criticism.
Press Freedom Versus Diplomatic Stability
While the Ugandan government has yet to issue an official response, analysts suggest that Kenya’s diplomatic outreach signals its commitment to preventing a rift between the neighboring countries. However, given Gen. Kainerugaba’s contentious relationship with critics and his history of blunt remarks on regional affairs, it remains uncertain whether he will agree to the meeting.
Observers note that press freedom in Kenya is strong, and while the Kenyan government may seek to maintain diplomatic stability, it is unlikely to interfere with editorial decisions made by private newspapers.
As political sensitivities run high, this meeting—if it happens—could play a vital role in preserving the diplomatic relationship between Kenya and Uganda while balancing the principles of press freedom and political discourse.