Kenya apologized to Muhoozi for newspaper's 'offensive content' — Col Akiiki

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The Kenyan government is said to have apologized to Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for its country's The Standard newspaper's offensive comments last month.

Kenya's High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, reportedly led his country's delegation in offering the apology to the four-star general on Thursday (March 6).

This was during a courtesy visit they paid to Kainerugaba at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe, Wakiso district, according to a statement by the military assistant to the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), Col Deo Akiiki.

Akiiki issued the statement on social media platform X, shortly after the meeting. 

Maangi was accompanied by Kenya’s Defence Attaché to Uganda, Col Patrick Kaduda, and other senior officials from the Kenyan High Commission.  

"During the meeting, the Kenyan delegation clarified that the government of Kenya had no involvement in the publication of the article. They further extended an apology to Gen. Kainerugaba for the offensive content," said Akiiki.

The meeting was also attended by Brig. Gen. Paul Namawa, the SFC Chief of Staff and Col Christopher Muwumba, who is also the CDF's military assistant.

Maangi used the occasion to express his gratitude to Kainerugaba for granting him and his delegation the opportunity to meet.  

"The visit follows the publication of an article in a Kenyan newspaper, The Standard, which was disrespectful toward the person and office of Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces," said Akiiki.

The paper's lead story on February 28, 2025, contained what the CDF and the Patriotic League of Uganda supporters said were insulting remarks.

The newspaper has since made a U-turn after facing a backlash over those comments.

"It is worth noting that the newspaper also issued a formal apology through a series of posts on X, acknowledging Gen. Kainerugaba’s distinguished military career and accomplishments," said Akiiki.

In his remarks during the meeting, the CDF emphasized that no issue, regardless of its scale, should undermine the historical bond between Uganda and Kenya.

He stressed the importance of mutual respect and dignity toward leaders from both countries, underscoring the need to preserve the strong ties that unite the two nations.  

The meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts, Akiiki said. 

Maangi presented traditional Kenyan attire and a lion sculpture, which he said were sent by Kenya’s CDF, Gen. Charles Kahiriri. 

In return, Kainerugaba, who doubles as the senior presidential advisor on special operations, gifted the delegation a copy of President Yoweri Museveni's autobiography, a book showcasing Uganda’s tourism attractions and its coffee.