The Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs distanced itself from remarks made by its President Yoweri Museveni's son, Lt. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Twitter that caused tension between the two countries.
In a statement dated Tuesday, October 4, the Ministry maintained that the neighbouring country's Government does not conduct its foreign policy functions via social media.
The Ministry reiterated that it cherishes the existing strong bilateral relations between the people of Uganda and the Government of the Republic of Kenya.
The Museveni-led Government affirmed that the relations are based on shared history, common values, mutual respect, trust and the desire to build a unified East African Community.
"To this end, the Government of the Republic of Uganda wishes to reiterate its commitment to good neighbourliness, peaceful co-existence and cooperation."
"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 in part.
The Ugandan Government, therefore, assured its Kenyan counterpart that it will maintain the harmonous relationship between the two countries.
"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," added the statement.
On Monday, October 3, Kainerugaba, who is the commander of the land forces of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), angered Kenyans when he hinted that Uganda had a stronger military that would gain control of Nairobi.
He further claimed that Uhuru would have easily won a third term should he have ran hinting that Uganda was ruled by revolution and not the rule of law.
"My only problem with my beloved big brother is that he didn't stand for a third term. We would have won easily," Muhoozi stated.
"I love my Kenyan relatives. Constitution? Rule of law? You must be joking! For us there is only the Revolution and you will soon learn about it!" he added.
Soon after, he was summoned into a meeting with his father who noted that the tweets had affected Kenyans and attracted criticism.
President William Ruto's cabinet secretary nominee for Foreign Affairs, Alfred Mutua, even held a discussion with Uganda's ambassador to Kenya Hassan Wasswa Galiwango following the development and assured Kenyans of their agreements.
