A storm is brewing in Uganda over a story published by a local newspaper terming General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, a ‘four-star brat.’
On Friday, members of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) announced plans to demonstrate at the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala next week, protesting what they describe as unfair and offensive treatment of Muhoozi.
This decision follows a headline in The Standard newspaper titled "Four-star brat: Why Muhoozi tweeting General could fuel anger and division in DRC talks," which featured images of Muhoozi in military attire.
PLU's General Secretary, Daudi Kabanda, stated that the protest is scheduled for Wednesday and emphasised their intent to respond vigorously to what they perceive as an insult to their chairman.
Taking to X, the MP said, “PLU is going to hold an energetic demonstration at the Kenyan High Commission next week on Wednesday. They burned our High Commission last year, and we did not respond. Now, one of their newspapers has insulted our PLU chairman. We will respond with full force!”
According to the group, the article targeted Muhoozi, who doubles as the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations.
The article follows the numerous tweets from the general on the violence against the Tutsi community in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a series of tweets, Muhoozi stated, in part, “My office will soon begin an audit of ALL media houses. These are the instructions of the commander-in-chief. From now on, all of you will report to my office! We are organising a cadre course (initial military training) for all managing directors of media houses. It will be a good one.”
However, the article has become the latest development in the diplomatic row involving East African Community (EAC) member states.
Muhoozi asserted that he did not need to take any action, as President William Ruto would handle the matter. Neither Ruto nor his office has commented on the issue.
If the protests take place, they will be the second, following those that erupted in response to the forceful abduction of opposition leader Kizza Besigye in Nairobi.
President Ruto is the Chairperson of the EAC and is leading efforts to find a solution in eastern DRC. The conflict has escalated this week, with reports of explosions at a rally organised by the rebel group M23 on Thursday, which has renewed fighting this year.
