Ugandans Plan Protests At Kenyan Offices After Newspaper Criticises Muhoozi
This is as a diplomatic storm brews between Kenya and Uganda over a controversial headline published by a local newspaper in the former
Marvin Chege 
The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has announced plans to hold a demonstration outside the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala next Wednesday, March 5.
This is as a diplomatic storm brews between Kenya and Uganda over a controversial headline published by a local newspaper in the former, labelling General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, a ‘four-star brat.’
The front-page article with the title Four-star brat: Why Muhoozi tweeting General could fuel anger and division in DRC talks was revealed to have been critical of General Muhoozi, the son of President Yoweri Museveni and a key figure in Uganda’s military.
The publication examined his growing influence in the military and political spheres while criticizing his social media activity and diplomatic missteps.
President William Ruto with his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni. /FILE
PLU Secretary-General Daudi Kabanda strongly condemned the article, accusing the Kenyan media of disrespecting Gen. Kainerugaba, who also serves as PLU Chairman.
“PLU is going to hold an energetic demonstration at the Kenyan High Commission next week on Wednesday,” Kabanda declared, adding, “They burnt our High Commission last year, and we did not respond. Now, one of their newspapers has insulted our PLU Chairman. We will respond with full force!”
The group claimed that the article specifically targeted Muhoozi, who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations.
The publication comes in response to a series of tweets by the general regarding the violence against the Tutsi community in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a series of tweets, Muhoozi stated, in part, “My office will soon begin an audit of ALL media houses. These are the instructions of the commander-in-chief. From now on, all of you will report to my office! We are organising a cadre course (initial military training) for all managing directors of media houses. It will be a good one.”
The article has now added to the ongoing diplomatic tensions among East African Community (EAC) member states.
Muhoozi stated that he saw no need to intervene, expressing confidence that President William Ruto would address the matter. However, neither Ruto nor his office has issued a response by the time of publication.
While the Kenyan government has also yet to issue its official response, the article has ignited debate on social media, with Ugandan activists calling for action while some Kenyans defend press freedom.
If the demonstrations proceed, they will mark the second wave of protests, following those triggered by the forced abduction of opposition leader Kizza Besigye in Nairobi.
As the Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC), President Ruto is spearheading efforts to resolve the crisis in eastern DRC. Tensions escalated this week after reports of explosions at an M23 rebel group rally on Thursday, reigniting conflict in the region.
