President William Ruto is set to grace Uganda's Independence Day celebrations on Sunday, October 9, in what is seen as a move by Kampala to de-escalate the tension between the two neighbouring countries.
Reports indicated that Ruto is among the dignitaries invited by Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni as the country marks 60 years since it gained independence. The president is expected to depart on Saturday, October 8.
Museveni, who enjoys a cordial relationship with Ruto, has ruled Uganda since January 29, 1986, making him among Africa's longest serving presidents.
The Ugandan president had moved to quell a potential diplomatic tiff between Nairobi and Kampala after the remarks made by his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba who claimed that it would take him less than two weeks to capture Kenya.
In a detailed statement on Wednesday, October 5, Museveni apologised to Kenyans for Kainerugaba's outburst and meddling in the country's internal affairs.
"Dear Ugandans, the brotherly people of Kenya, and all East Africans. I greet all of you. I ask our Kenyan brothers and sisters to forgive us for the tweets sent by General Muhoozi," he stated.
"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."
The Ugandan Head of State added that the only available legitimate forum where issues could be raised is the Peer Review Mechanism of the African Union or confidential interactions among Presidents or the East African Community and the African Union.
In addition, Museveni defended his reason for promoting his son to full general.
"I promoted him because this mistake is one aspect where he has acted negatively as a Public officer. There are, however, many other positive contributions the General has made and can still make. This is a time-tested formula –discourage the negative and encourage the positive." Museveni stated.
"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. I know for a fact that General Muhoozi is a passionate Pan-Africanist."
The sentiments came after Museveni affirmed, during Ruto's swearing-in ceremony, that he would not meddle in Kenya's internal affairs- but would act as an observer.
