Injured Diplomacy: Bitter South Sudan Decries Daily Monitor’s Negative Publicity Against Their President Salva Kiir, Issues a Protest Note to Uganda

KAMPALA, Uganda:Uganda and South Sudan have long enjoyed a strong and cooperative relationship, marked by deep diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. However, concerns are growing in Juba that this vital partnership is being undermined by negative media coverage, particularly from The Daily Monitor, a prominent Ugandan publication.

Speaking from his office at the South Sudan Embassy in Kampala, newly appointed Ambassador H.E. Paul Molong Akaro expressed his frustration over what he termed as “negative energies” directed at his country by certain sections of the Ugandan press, particularly The Daily Monitor.

The Threatened Historic Bond

Uganda played a crucial role in South Sudan’s struggle for independence, offering refuge and humanitarian assistance to many South Sudanese before the country gained independence in 2011. Since then, Uganda has remained a key ally, actively supporting SOSU development and stability. This has included diplomatic support, economic partnerships, and even military cooperation, as seen in the confirmed deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan.

Trade is a pillar of the Uganda-South Sudan relationship, with Uganda exporting food products, manufactured goods, and construction materials to its northern neighbor. This trade benefits businesses on both sides, creating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth. “The trade corridor between Kampala and Juba not only benefits businesses but also provide jobs for thousands of our citizens from both countries,” Ambassador Akaro emphasized.

Beyond trade, Uganda has played a key role in peace and security efforts in South Sudan. Uganda has often mediated peace talks and contributed troops to peacekeeping missions, helping curb cross-border crimes such as smuggling and human trafficking, hence ensuring stability for both nations.

The Negative Media Coverage Concerns

Despite the above cited strong ties, Ambassador Akaro warns that negative media portrayals, particularly those from The Daily Monitor, threaten to destabilize relations between the two nations. He specifically pointed to a controversial cartoon published in the Sunday Monitor of March 9th 2025, which depicted South Sudanese President Salva Kiir in an unfavorable light.

The cartoon in question, drawn by The Daily Monitor’s celebrated cartoonist Chris Ogon, portrays President Kiir in his office, with his gun leaning against the wall. Documents labeled “PEACE” are scattered across his desk. Some of the documents are defaced with a red marker cross, while a television screen in the background displays a dramatic headline; “South Sudan on Brink of War,” accompanied by fierce fire flames in the background.

Notably, the cartoon also features a bottle of whisky in a carrier, labled `POWER`, a half-full glass of whisky and half-empty glass of wine on Kiir’s desk, yet with the President himself holding another glass in his right hand. His left hand is pointing at the TV screen with orders thus; “remove, change program, I cannot watch.” The caption beneath the illustration reads; “South Sudan President Salva Kiir has reiterated that the country will not return to war.”

Juba Reacts, A Diplomatic Protest Issued

Ambassador Akaro described the cartoon as deeply offensive and an unfair attack on the person of President Kiir’s leadership. “As our governments work to strengthen ties, all stakeholders, including businesses, policymakers, and the media, should support these efforts for mutual benefit. But some in the media seem to have a different agenda,” he remarked.

He further accused The Daily Monitor of consistently undermining South Sudan’s leadership with biased and damaging narratives. “This cartoon falsely insinuates that President Kiir is indifferent to the country’s situation and dismisses his efforts for peace. It is misleading and irresponsible journalism,” the Ambassador added.

The South Sudanese government has taken formal steps to address its concerns. Ambassador Akaro confirmed that a protest note has been sent to Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting intervention in the matter. “We appreciate media freedom, but interfering in our country’s affairs at such a fragile time is unacceptable,” the visibly irritated Ambassador Paul Akaro further stressed.

The Embassy’s media handler, Mary Akuar, revealed that they attempted to engage The Daily Monitor’s management to discuss the issue, but their calls were ignored. “We reached out to the Editor-in-Chief, but they refused to take our calls again, after we had suggested to schedule a meeting over the matter,” she said.

Awaiting Government Action

A source within Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed receipt of the protest note, describing it as a strongly worded document. “The South Sudanese are understandably bitter. The fact that The Daily Monitor is even unwilling to engage in dialogue suggests there may be a well-planned plot to use the media against the much-needed peace process in South Sudan,” the source stated on condition of anonymity.

As both nations navigate this diplomatic challenge, Ambassador Akaro remains hopeful that the Ugandan government will take appropriate action. “With unity and collaboration, we can continue to be a model of good neighborly relations in East Africa. The media in both countries should play a constructive role in achieving this goal,” he said.

For now, all eyes are on Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and The Daily Monitor’s next move. Will the media house address South Sudan’s concerns, or will tensions between the two nations instead escalate further? Watch this space…