A collage of Tanzania President Samia Suluhu and UPDF Army General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. /FILEUganda's Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba has lauded Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan as one of his favourite African leaders who he described as "extremely decisive".
In an X post on Tuesday, the UPDF Army chief took pride in President Samia's handling of his presidential assignment in a "no nonsense" fashion.
"Mama Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, is fast becoming one of my favourite leaders in Africa. No nonsense and extremely decisive! Asante sana, Mama (Thank you very much)," he said.
Muhoozi's post, which was devoid of his characteristic provocative and inflammatory assertions and threats that have occasionally sparked widespread debate and diplomatic tensions, appeared to have been inspired by Samia's stern remarks after Tanzania denied entry to Kenyan lawyers and activists.
Former Chief Justice and human rights defender Willy Mutunga and constitutional lawyer and People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua were denied entry into Tanzania on Sunday and later sent back to Nairobi.
They had sought entry to monitor the high-profile case of main opposition leader Tundu Lissu who's facing treason and incitement charges for calling for electoral reforms ahead of the October elections.
They were accompanied by several other activists who were equally denied entry on arrival at the Julius Nyerere Airport, Dar es Salaam.
Only former CJ David Maraga was not denied entry and was in Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court when Lissu made his first physical appearance since he was arrested on April 9.
On Monday, President Samia publicly cautioned international human rights advocates against interfering in Tanzania's internal affairs.
While asserting her government's commitment to upholding human rights, she warned activists not to "invade" or meddle in the country's matters amid the politically sensitive trial of Lissu.
Following the denial of entry to the Kenyan lawyers and activists, Tanzanian police arrested other foreign activists who were present in the country to support Lissu.
Mama Samia emphasised her constitutional responsibility to safeguard Tanzania’s sovereignty, independence, and national dignity.
“Through technology, people all over the world can say what they want about us. They can utter anything and say what they wish,” she said.
The President said despite the freedom of expression, Tanzanian authorities would not allow utterances that compromise the country's sovereignty.
Let’s not be Shamba la Bibi [unguarded farm] where everyone can come and say whatever they want,” Samia declared.
“We have seen a flow of activists within our region starting to interfere in our affairs. They may have been controlled in their own countries, but they will not come and destroy us here,” she warned.
