Uganda Army Chief Orders Shutdown of Key Media Outlets, Stating 'No Free Press'

Uganda's leading independent media group is under what it describes as a 'military siege' after the army chief, who is the son of President Yoweri Museveni, ordered the closure of its television stations, newspapers, and radio outlets.

The Daily Monitor newspaper reported that armed soldiers were stationed outside its headquarters in the capital, Kampala, while NTV and Spark TV were taken off air. These outlets are part of the Nation Media Group, one of East Africa's most influential media companies.

The reasons for the crackdown remain unclear. However, on social media platform X, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba stated: 'I DO NOT believe in a free press! The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution.' He asserted that both NTV and Daily Monitor would 'not re-open without my permission' and that 'from now on ALL media in Uganda will follow the rules!'.

Opposition and human rights groups accuse General Kainerugaba of being a central figure in what they describe as a highly repressive regime led by his father. Supporters of the president and his family argue that they have ensured stability in Uganda and overseen economic improvement.

President Museveni, 81, a former rebel leader, has been in power for about 40 years. He won a disputed seventh term in January, amid widespread speculation that he is grooming his son to succeed him. General Kainerugaba claimed on X that his 'great father' had given him the 'power to shut down any media house I want to'.

The situation continues to develop, with international observers and free press advocates condemning the move as a direct attack on media freedom.