Members of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) have announced plans to stage a protest at the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala next week. The demonstration is in response to what they call unfair media treatment of Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who also serves as the chairman of the PLU. The group, which operates under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, has accused Kenyan media of disrespecting Gen Muhoozi and undermining Uganda’s sovereignty.

The protest plans come amid heightened tensions between Uganda and Kenya, fueled by recent events involving opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. In November, Besigye was abducted from Nairobi with the alleged knowledge of the Kenyan government, sparking outrage among his supporters. The situation escalated when Kenya’s The Standard newspaper published a front-page story on February 28 with the headline “Four-Star Brat,” accompanied by pictures of Gen Muhoozi in military attire. The article delved into his background and controversial social media posts, drawing sharp criticism from his supporters.

The bold coverage, which also included a feature in The Nairobian exploring the political dynamics between Besigye, Winnie Byanyima, and President Museveni, has angered PLU members. Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda, who serves as the general secretary of the PLU, announced the planned protest, stating, “PLU is going to hold an energetic demonstration at the Kenyan High Commission next week on Wednesday.”

Kabanda did not mince words in expressing his frustration. “They burnt 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!” he declared. The reference to the burning of the Ugandan mission in Nairobi during last year’s Gen-Z protests in Kenya added fuel to the fire, with Gen Muhoozi himself posting a cryptic message on his X account. The post featured a photo of the Ugandan mission engulfed in flames, accompanied by the words, “Uganda House in Nairobi, burning last year.”

The message, though brief, carried significant weight, especially coming from Gen Muhoozi, who has previously stirred controversy with his outspoken remarks. His supporters interpreted the post as a call to action, with Youth and Children’s Affairs Minister Balaam Barugahara quickly weighing in. “We should not tolerate any affront to our national sovereignty. Supreme Leader Muhoozi Kainerugaba, we stand firmly behind you and will not idly watch as disrespect escalates to unacceptable levels,” Barugahara said.

The planned protest highlights the growing tensions between Uganda and Kenya, particularly in the context of media coverage and political dynamics. The PLU’s decision to demonstrate at the Kenyan High Commission underscores the group’s commitment to defending Gen Muhoozi’s reputation and, by extension, Uganda’s national pride.

Meanwhile, the situation involving Dr. Kizza Besigye continues to add complexity to the already strained relations. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and longtime critic of President Museveni, was charged with treachery and illegal possession of firearms by a military court last year. However, after the Supreme Court outlawed military tribunals in January, Besigye was recharged in a civilian court with treason and misprision of treason. He remains in detention at Luzira Prison, with his case drawing international attention and condemnation.

The PLU’s protest plans are not just about defending Gen Muhoozi but also about sending a broader message regarding Uganda’s sovereignty and the respect it demands from its neighbors. The group’s leaders have emphasized that they will not tolerate any form of disrespect, whether through media coverage or political actions.

As the protest date approaches, all eyes are on Kampala to see how the demonstration will unfold. The PLU has vowed to make its voice heard, and the Kenyan High Commission is expected to be the focal point of their grievances. The protest could further strain relations between the two East African nations, which have historically shared close ties but have recently faced challenges over issues ranging from trade disputes to political interference.

The PLU’s planned protest against Kenyan media’s coverage of Gen Muhoozi reflects the growing tensions between Uganda and Kenya. The group’s leaders are determined to defend their chairman’s reputation and assert Uganda’s sovereignty, even as the situation involving Dr. Kizza Besigye adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing diplomatic challenges. The protest next week will be a critical moment in this unfolding story, with potential implications for the relationship between the two nations.