President Yoweri Museveni has apologized to the neighbouring Kenya for statements made against them by the first son and former commander land forces on twitter.
The apology comes hours after President Museveni, also the commander -in -chief of-the armed forces promoted Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to the highest rank in the Ugandan army.
The apology reads; “I ask our Kenyan brothers and sisters to forgive us for tweets sent by General Muhoozi, former Commander of Land Forces here, regarding the election matters in that great country. It is not correct for Public officers, be they civilian or military, to comment or interfere in any way, in the internal affairs of brother countries,” Museveni said in a statement issued this afternoon.
Museveni explained that the move to promote Muhoozi to a four-star General, the highest rank in the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), even after the online chaos, was to appreciate the many other positive contributions he has made despite acting negatively in recent days.
“This is a time-tested formula –discourage the negative and encourage the positive. Very sorry, ndugu zetu Wakenya. Also sorry to the Ugandans who could have been annoyed by one of their officials meddling in the affairs of brother Kenya,” Museveni added.
He describes Gen. Muhoozi as a passionate pan-Africanist but hastens to add that, the correct method for Pan-Africanists is confidential interactions or using the available fora of EAC and AU, especially for public officers.
Museveni said that he had conveyed all his views confidentially to Kenya’s President, William Ruto.
This statement follows controversial tweets made by Gen Muhoozi on Monday alluding to overthrowing and invading Kenya’s capital Nairobi.
In one of his tweets, Muhoozi says the armed forces of Uganda can overthrow Kenya in the next two weeks.
“It would take us, my army and me two weeks to capture Nairobi. After we capture Nairobi, where should I live? Westlands? Riverside?”
He goes on to write, “I am happy that members of our district in Kenya have responded enthusiastically to my tweet. It’s still two weeks to Nairobi.”
In another tweet he posted,”Had a good discussion with my great father this morning. Apparently, my tweets scared Kenyans too much? He will announce the changes. There is a special prayer I shall make for our army.” He said
He adds in another tweet; “After capturing Nairobi, I shall take my wife on a tour of our district.”
Following his tweets, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed the sentiments of the Commander Land Forces saying Uganda respects and enjoys cordial working relationship with Kenya.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to clarify that the government of the Republic of Uganda doesn’t conduct its foreign policy and other official business through social media nor does it depend on social media sources in dealing with other sovereign governments,” the statement said in part.