Ugandan TikToker Anthony Katongole, widely known as Chicken Chicken, has retracted his previous statements about neighboring Rwanda. For many years, Rwanda has been recognized as a leading destination and one of the quickest growing countries, not just in Africa but around the world.
When Rwanda is mentioned, its beauty, development, and high living standards come to mind. This is evident through the various initiatives and structures that have emerged in the nation led by Paul Kagame. To illustrate, the country sponsors prominent European football clubs like Arsenal, PSG, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid. Discussions have also taken place regarding Rwanda hosting Africa’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix since South Africa held it in 1994.
Numerous high-profile events, including sports, music, and film festivals, have taken place in this small country. Interestingly, Uganda is home to a significant population of the Banyarwanda community. While many of them are indigenous, some have migrated to other parts of Uganda and have no desire to return to Rwanda.
There are rumors suggesting that Rwanda enforces strict regulations and suppresses dissenting voices, unlike Uganda, where President Museveni supports unrestricted freedoms of speech and expression. As a result, many find it challenging to go back once they settle in Uganda.
During his recent visit to Rwanda, Chicken Chicken stated that the common narrative surrounding the country is misleading. He expressed that outsiders are deceived into believing it is a paradise when, in fact, it is not. He went on to mention that the capital city, Kigali, has grass-thatched houses found in its ghettos. Moreover, he claimed the roads are quite narrow, the apartments are small and poorly structured, and that the beautiful women often seen on social media are difficult to locate within the country. He asserted that everything known about Rwanda is simply untrue.
This commentary did not sit well with Rwandan authorities and citizens. Considering the cultural and social similarities between Rwanda and Uganda, Chicken Chicken has now been compelled to retract his statements. In a video shared on social media, the TikToker expressed his sincere apologies for his remarks, stating that he had no intention of offending anyone.
He also extended his apologies to President Kagame, other leaders in Rwanda, the Rwandan populace, and individuals from western Uganda who maintain close ties with the country. He conveyed that, as a young individual, he makes mistakes, but he strives to avoid repeating them. He has no desire for his life to be cut short or for him to end up in prison.
Reports indicated that Kagame was quite upset with critics from Uganda who allegedly spread propaganda about his country. In fact, a scheduled interview the TikToker was supposed to have on NTV Mwasuze Mutya was canceled.
