President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has apologized to the people of Kenya and all East Africans for tweets sent by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the former Commander of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Land Forces regarding the ‘election matters’ in Kenya.
This week, General Muhoozi a serving military officer, questioned why Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta did not seek a third term.
He also claimed that his ‘army’ would capture Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, in two weeks.
The tweets sparked a diplomatic row between the two brotherly countries.
However, President Museveni, in a statement, apologized for the inconveniences the tweets could have caused.
“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,” he said.
Museveni noted that the only legitimate forum for such is the Peer Review Mechanism of the African Union or confidential interactions among EAC and AU fora –not public comments.
“The only available legitimate forum is the Peer Review Mechanism of the African Union or confidential interactions among us or EAC and AU fora –not public comments,” he said, adding, “I know for a fact that General Muhoozi is a passionate Pan-Africanist.”
Museveni further said the correct method for Pan-Africanists is confidential interactions or using the available fora (EAC and AU), “especially if you are a Public officer”.
He noted that he has conveyed all the views confidentially to H.E. William Ruto, the President of Kenya.
“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,” he said.
