Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, has formally apologized to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba following the publication of a contentious article in Kenya’s The Standard newspaper. The article, originally titled “Four-Star Brat,” sparked backlash among Muhoozi’s supporters due to its critical tone.
Ambassador Maangi, accompanied by Kenya’s Defence Attaché to Uganda, Colonel Patrick Kaduda, and other senior officials from the Kenyan High Commission, met with Gen. Muhoozi at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe. Also in attendance were Brigadier General Paul Namawa, the SFC Chief of Staff, and Colonel Christopher Muwumba, Muhoozi’s Military Assistant.
During the meeting, Ambassador Maangi reassured Gen. Muhoozi that the Kenyan government had no involvement in the publication and reiterated Kenya’s commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties with Uganda. In response to public outcry, The Standard newspaper issued a formal apology on social media and revised the article to acknowledge Muhoozi’s military credentials and contributions. This move led to the cancellation of planned protests by his supporters outside the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala.
Gen. Muhoozi used the meeting to reaffirm the longstanding historical and strategic ties between Uganda and Kenya, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and dignity between the leadership of both nations. He further stressed that no issue, regardless of its magnitude, should undermine the strong bond shared by the two countries.
As a gesture of goodwill, Kenya’s High Commissioner, Ambassador Maangi presented Gen. Muhoozi with traditional Kenyan attire and a lion sculpture from Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahiriri. In return, Muhoozi gifted the delegation a copy of President Yoweri Museveni’s autobiography, a book on Uganda’s tourist attractions, and premium Ugandan coffee.
The standard’s article has been widely reagrded as an unnecessary provocation that could have created serious diplomatic rifts between Uganda and kenya.
The diplomatic engagement is expected to defuse tensions following the newspaper’s controversial depiction of Gen. Muhoozi and reinforce the deep-rooted relationship between Uganda and Kenya.
