Uganda’s military chief orders shutdown of two leading media outlets

The update

Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has ordered the closure of two of the country’s largest independent media outlets: the Daily Monitor newspaper and NTV Uganda. Kainerugaba, who is the son of President Yoweri Museveni, stated on social media that the outlets would not reopen without his permission. He also dismissed the concept of a free press, writing that “in Uganda, I do not believe in a free press.”

Both outlets are part of the Nation Media Group. Reports indicate that armed security personnel have been deployed to the company’s headquarters in Kampala, with staff reporting that no one is being allowed to enter or leave the premises. NTV and Spark TV, which are also owned by the group, have gone off the air.

Why it matters

This action marks a significant escalation in the government’s control over information in Uganda. The shutdown targets outlets that have historically served as critical voices in the country. The move comes as the president’s son is widely seen as a potential successor to his father, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.

What to watch

Authorities have not yet provided a specific reason for the closures. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force, and Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) have not released official statements regarding the operation. The National Association of Broadcasters has expressed deep concern over the action and its impact on the media ecosystem.

Sources

• Al Jazeera — Details on the shutdown orders, the president's son's statements, and the deployment of security personnel.
• BBC — Confirmation of the 'military siege' situation and the outlets' status.