Ugandan Military Chief Shuts Down Two Independent Media Outlets, Press Freedom Under Renewed Scrutiny

KAMPALA – Press freedom in Uganda has once again come under international scrutiny after the country’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, ordered the closure of two of Uganda’s largest independent media outlets. The decision, announced on Sunday (June 28, 2026), has sparked concerns over growing restrictions on freedom of expression.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, declared that the Daily Monitor newspaper and NTV Uganda would not be allowed to resume operations without his written authorization.

According to a report by CNN International on Monday (June 29, 2026), armed military personnel were deployed shortly after the announcement to surround the headquarters of both media organizations in Kampala. Journalists and employees were reportedly prevented from entering or leaving the premises.

In a series of posts on X, Kainerugaba openly rejected the principle of a free press.

“In Uganda, I do not believe in a free press. The press should be guided by revolutionary cadres,” he wrote.

Following the order, NTV Uganda and several commercial radio stations operated by the same media group went off the air on Sunday morning. No official legal justification for the shutdown has been provided.

Government spokesperson Alan Kasujja and Nation Media Group Uganda Chief Executive Officer Susan Nsibirwa declined to comment on the military’s actions.

Both Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda are owned by Nation Media Group (NMG), a Kenya-based media conglomerate and one of East Africa’s largest media companies.

Kainerugaba has long been known for making controversial statements on social media. He has previously drawn international criticism for threatening opposition leader Bobi Wine, including remarks suggesting he should be beheaded.

The four-star general is widely regarded as the leading candidate to succeed his father, President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.

This is not the first time Daily Monitor has faced government pressure. In 2013, the independent newspaper was shut down for 10 days after publishing an investigative report on a sensitive presidential succession plan.

The latest move against the two prominent media outlets has intensified international concerns over the state of press freedom and democratic rights in Uganda. | Ray