Uganda's Leading Media Outlets Closed by Army Chief
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the army chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni, has ordered the closure of major independent media outlets in Uganda. This action has led the Nation Media Group, which owns several prominent TV stations, newspapers, and radio outlets, to describe the situation as a "military siege." Armed soldiers were reported to be stationed outside the Daily Monitor newspaper headquarters in Kampala, while NTV and Spark TV were taken off the air.
The Nation Media Group is one of East Africa's most influential media companies. The reasons behind the crackdown remain unclear. However, General Kainerugaba posted on X (formerly Twitter):
I DO NOT believe in a free press! The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution.
Opposition and human rights organizations accuse General Kainerugaba of playing a central role in a repressive regime led by his father, President Museveni. Conversely, supporters argue that the Museveni family has maintained stability and fostered economic growth in Uganda.
President Museveni, aged 81, is a former rebel leader who has ruled Uganda for approximately 40 years. He secured a seventh term in the January elections, which were widely disputed, amid speculation that he is preparing his son to succeed him.
General Kainerugaba further stated on X:
My great father has given me the power to shut down any media house I want to.
Both NTV and Daily Monitor will not re-open without my permission.
From now on ALL media in Uganda will follow the rules!
Details of the Media Shutdown
The Daily Monitor reported on X that the closures occurred during the early hours of Sunday in what it described as a crackdown. The newspaper did not specify the reasons for the shutdown but published coverage of the events on its website.
Staff reported that no individuals were permitted to enter or leave the compound. Viewers of NTV Uganda and Spark TV encountered blank screens displaying the message "video unavailable."
The Daily Monitor recalled previous incidents of government pressure, including a 2013 police raid following the publication of a letter allegedly linking senior officials to a succession plan known as the "Muhoozi Project." NTV was also taken off air in 2007 after the government accused it of negative news coverage.
The article noted that President Museveni has repeatedly criticized the Daily Monitor, once labeling it an "enemy and evil newspaper" due to its critical reporting.
Reactions and Legal Concerns
Uganda's National Broadcasters Association announced plans to seek clarification from the government regarding the shutdown, stating that it violates constitutional provisions.
Bobi Wine, the opposition presidential candidate defeated in January and currently in exile, condemned the actions, stating on X:
Gen Kainerugaba has moved to silence Uganda's remaining independent voices.
This is the harsh reality we now face, a country under open military rule, where fear replaces law and force replaces accountability.
During the January election campaign, General Kainerugaba sparked outrage by posting, and subsequently deleting, threats to castrate Bobi Wine. Opposition rallies were disrupted, and security forces at times used live ammunition.
The United Nations described the election environment as one marked by widespread repression and intimidation of the political opposition. Nonetheless, election officials declared the poll free and fair.
Context and Additional Information
President Museveni has maintained power for nearly four decades, winning a record seventh term in January amid allegations of electoral irregularities. His son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is widely regarded as a potential successor, and his recent actions have intensified concerns about media freedom and political repression in Uganda.
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