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 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 a compartment of the statement.
The Ministry stated that it cherishes the existing strong bilateral relations between the people of Uganda and the Government of the Republic of Kenya.The Ugandan 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.
The Ugandan Government then assured its Kenyan counterpart that it will maintain the harmonous relationship between the two countries.
“To this end, the Government of the Republic of Uganda wishes to reiterate its commitment to good neighbourliness, peaceful co-existence and cooperation.”Read the statement.
On Monday, October 3, Kainerugaba, who is the commander of the land forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), caused chaos among Kenyans when he hinted that Uganda had a stronger military that would gain control of Nairobi within a short period of time.