Kenyan newspaper The Standard has softened its stance on Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, following backlash over its earlier depiction of him as a “Four-Star Brat.”
However, supporters of the general insist that their planned protest at the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala will go ahead as scheduled.
The newspaper, which had faced threats of demonstrations led by Muhoozi loyalists, released a revised profile on March 4, portraying the general in a more favorable light.
The new post acknowledged Muhoozi’s military reputation, stating that he “means business,” is respected within the ranks, and balances toughness with an appreciation for finer things in life.
Daudi Kabanda, the Kassambya County MP and Secretary General of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), confirmed that The Standard had issued an apology but said supporters were still reviewing it.
“We are still analysing this apology; we shall give our response later. Our peaceful demonstration scheduled for tomorrow still stands,” Kabanda told this publication.
The controversy began last week when The Standard ran a front-page story that angered Muhoozi’s supporters, prompting calls for an apology. Kabanda and other PLU members vowed to march to the Kenyan High Commission, accusing the newspaper of disrespecting Uganda’s top military officer.
While The Standard’s change in tone suggests a retreat from its earlier stance, it remains unclear whether this will be enough to defuse tensions.
The Nile Post has contacted The Standard for a comment on the development that came on the back of Gen Muhoozi freewheeling with comments on Kenya on X for days.
Muhoozi’s supporters, who have fiercely defended his public image in the past, appear determined to make their dissatisfaction known.