Uganda’s army commander, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has revealed that he plans to travel to Kenya soon, signaling a move to strengthen personal and national ties between the two countries. He said the visit would include gestures to make amends for past incidents that strained relations.
Speaking on X, Muhoozi highlighted his close personal bond with President William Ruto, referring to him as his “big brother.” He also expressed readiness to offer traditional compensation as a way to address earlier misunderstandings.
"In the next few months I am going to visit my big brother, H.E. Ruto. If I made mistakes in the past, I am ready to pay cows for my errors. The brotherly relationship between Uganda and Kenya can never be broken," he posted.
Relations between Kenya and Uganda have historically been cooperative, covering political, economic, and security matters. However, tensions have occasionally flared, particularly following Muhoozi’s 2022 tweet claiming it would take Ugandan forces fewer than two weeks to seize Nairobi.
The remark led to a public apology from Uganda’s Foreign Ministry, clarifying that the government did not endorse the statement. Muhoozi later retracted the comment, tweeting, "It wouldn't take us, my army and me, 2 weeks to capture Nairobi."
The general has previously sparked debate with remarks on international peacekeeping. In July 2025, he criticized the performance of Kenyan troops in Haiti, questioning the progress made during their deployment and offering Uganda’s forces as an alternative.
"It would take us 1 month to capture Port-au-Prince. The Kenyans have failed after nearly 2 years...that's what we expected. The UN is welcome to offer us favourable terms," he stated.
Muhoozi also issued a stark warning to Haitian gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, known as Barbecue, saying he would be his primary target if Uganda intervenes. "I only have one piece of advice if Mzee deploys us to Haiti. Barbecue, I'm coming for you! Run! And you won't survive me. My name is 'Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Mwene Museveni, Rutagumirwa, Omusiita!” he said.
Through this planned trip, General Muhoozi seems intent on moving from past controversies toward reconciliation, reinforcing the longstanding partnership between Uganda and Kenya while also underscoring his personal connection with President Ruto.
