Ugandan Gov’t Distances Itself from President Museveni's Son Threats to 'Capture' Nairobi

Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has distanced itself from President Museveni’s son Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s controversial tweets that caused a storm online on Monday.

Kainerugaba, who is the commander of the land forces of the Uganda People's Defense Force, posted a series of tweets about Kenya, warning that his army could capture Nairobi in less than two weeks.

But in a statement on Tuesday, the country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry denounced Kainerugaba’s comments, stating that they treasure the existing strong bilateral relations between Uganda and Kenya.

"The Ministry wishes to emphasize that the Government and the people of the Republic of Uganda treasure the existing strong bilateral relations between the people and the Government of the Republic of Kenya based on our shared history, common values, mutual respect, trust and the desire to build a unified East African Community," the ministry stated.

The ministry further pointed out that it does not run its foreign policy affairs through social media platforms, reiterating the Ugandan government’s commitment to good neighborliness, peaceful co-existence, and cooperation with Kenya.
 
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to clarify that the Government of the Republic of Uganda does not 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," read the statement. 

"The Government of the Republic of Uganda, therefore, wishes to reiterate its cordial relationship with the Republic of Kenya and assure the people and the Government of the Republic of Kenya of our harmonious relationship that we value."

Kainerugaba, 48, has since withdrawn his comments urging Kenyans to "relax".

"I would never beat up the Kenyan army because my father told me never to attempt it! So our people in Kenya should relax!" he tweeted. "KOT, I forgive you all for the insults you have hurled against me. Please let's work together to make East Africa great!"