The move has widened an already strained diplomatic rift between Khartoum and several East African governments involved in efforts to mediate the conflict.

In the press release, Sudan said it "categorically rejects and strongly condemns” any engagement that treats Hemedti as a political actor. The government stressed that it "does not recognize any status or legitimacy” for the RSF leader, accusing him of directing "atrocities and systematic violations” since the war began in April 2023. The statement further argued that Uganda’s decision "undermines Sudan’s sovereignty” and risks destabilizing the broader region.

Hemedti, appearing publicly in Kampala in what observers described as a notable diplomatic push, insisted he does not seek Sudan’s presidency and framed his mission as "ending the war and dismantling remnants of the former regime.” 

He claimed the RSF’s manpower has increased far beyond the previously cited 123,000 fighters and now stands at "half a million,” a figure Sudanese officials dismissed as "implausible” and evidence of "extensive foreign recruitment.” 

He also alleged that RSF advances toward Khartoum and Omdurman were supported by "drones operated from neighboring countries,” a statement Sudan described as "a dangerous admission” pointing to external involvement in the conflict.

Regional diplomats say the latest confrontation underscores a widening crisis of trust between Sudan and several neighboring states, many of which are directly involved in mediation attempts. They warn that the dispute risks complicating ongoing diplomatic channels at a moment when international actors are intensifying pressure on all sides to agree to a new ceasefire framework and resume political talks.  Analysts argue that Khartoum’s unusually forceful language reflects a deliberate strategy to block any foreign government from positioning Hemedti as an alternative power center.