The government of South Sudan has strongly criticized what it perceives as biased and negative reporting by Uganda’s Daily Monitor newspaper, accusing the publication of undermining the cordial relations between Juba and Kampala.
H.E. Paul Molong Akaro, the newly appointed South Sudanese Ambassador to Uganda, expressed his concern over what he termed as “negative energies” directed at his country by Ugandan media, specifically highlighting Daily Monitor’s portrayal of President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
In a recent publication by Sunday Monitor on March 9, 2025, a cartoon was featured depicting President Kiir in a controversial light. The illustration showed Kiir seated in his office with his gun leaning against the wall, documents labeled “PEACE” scattered across his desk, and some appearing to be stained and marked out with red ink. A television screen in the background carried the alarming headline: “South Sudan on Brink of War”, with flames of fire appearing behind it.
In the cartoon, Kiir was depicted holding a glass of what was suggested to be whisky, while other alcoholic beverages were placed on his desk. Additionally, a whisk carrier labeled “POWER” was featured, reinforcing the alleged insinuation that the South Sudanese leader was detached from the political and security crises in his country.
The ambassador condemned the cartoon, asserting that it was not only disrespectful but also detrimental to diplomatic efforts between the two countries. “Uganda and South Sudan share deep historical, economic, and social bonds,” he emphasized, recalling Uganda’s role in supporting South Sudan’s struggle for independence and ongoing stability.
He further noted that Uganda remains a key trading partner for South Sudan, with significant cross-border trade benefiting both economies. “The media should focus on strengthening our bilateral ties rather than sowing division and animosity,” he stated.
Ambassador Akaro confirmed that the South Sudanese government has lodged a formal protest with Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the Daily Monitor publication. “We appreciate media freedom, but at a fragile time like this, misrepresenting our leadership is unacceptable,” he said.
According to the South Sudanese Embassy’s media handler, Mary Akuar, efforts to engage Daily Monitor’s editorial team were unsuccessful. “We reached out to the Editor-in-Chief for a meeting, but they refused to respond to our calls,” she revealed.
Meanwhile, sources within Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed receipt of the protest note from Juba. A senior official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the document as “tough-worded” and acknowledged that the matter is under review. “They are understandably upset, and the fact that Daily Monitor has ignored their concerns suggests that some people might be using the media to destabilise peace efforts in South Sudan,” the source stated.
Ambassador Akaro urged all stakeholders, including the media, to play a constructive role in fostering good relations between Uganda and South Sudan. “With unity and collaboration, we can continue to serve as a model of neighborly relations in East Africa,” he emphasised.
However, he lamented that Daily Monitor appears indifferent to the concerns raised, lacking what he termed as “emotional intelligence” in handling such sensitive matters.