Kenyan Ambassador to Uganda, Joash Maangi, is set to meet Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to discuss concerns surrounding a recent article published by Kenya’s Standard newspaper.
Speaking at an event on Wednesday evening, Maangi informed Uganda’s State Minister for Youth and Children’s Affairs, Balaam Barugahara—a close associate of Muhoozi—that he regretted the publication and emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement.
“I am meeting the CDF tomorrow [Thursday]; we will talk about it. Unfortunately, it happened,” Maangi told Barugahara in a conversation overheard by a reporter.
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Describing the article as “unfortunate and very bad,” the ambassador expressed hope for a constructive dialogue to ease tensions. During the event, Maangi and Barugahara briefly stepped aside for a private discussion, during which Barugahara spoke extensively while the ambassador listened attentively, occasionally nodding in contemplation. The exchange lasted about five minutes.
The Standard article, which referred to Muhoozi as a “Four-Star Brat,” sparked outrage among his supporters, with some even calling for protests outside the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala. The publication criticized Muhoozi’s frequent use of social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), arguing that his unfiltered remarks could strain diplomatic relations and hinder ongoing peace negotiations in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
“Leaders in the East African region are working tirelessly to restore peace in eastern DRC, but their efforts could be undermined by the head of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba,” the article claimed.
Amid the backlash, The Standard posted a cryptic message on X:
“GENERAL MUHOOZI: Following our publication on Muhoozi Kainerugaba, fresh details have emerged on the general known for being both tough and fun. Muhoozi, reputed to mean business, is respected by his peers and across the rank and file. Yet he also has a taste for the finer things in life.”
It remains unclear whether this was an attempt to pacify the situation or a subtle continuation of the controversy.
With the ambassador’s meeting with Muhoozi approaching, attention now turns to whether diplomatic discussions will resolve the tensions or escalate the dispute further. Muhoozi has reportedly demanded a formal written apology from the newspaper.
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