Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has ordered the closure of one of the country’s leading independent media groups, declaring that he does not believe in a free press in a move that has drawn sharp criticism from press freedom advocates.
Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, announced on X that Nation Media Group’s NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor, alongside its affiliated radio and television stations, were to cease operations immediately.
“In Uganda, I DO NOT believe in a free press! The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution,” he wrote.
The Daily Monitor said its offices in Kampala were placed under military siege, with armed soldiers preventing staff from entering or leaving. Nation Media Group said troops raided its premises around 1:00 a.m., disconnecting electricity and disrupting operations.
Kainerugaba also ordered the arrest of the group’s Managing Director, Susan Nsibirwa, before later withdrawing the directive, saying government spokesman Alan Kasujja would handle the matter. He accused the media organisation of repeatedly insulting him and claimed the action had the approval of President Museveni.
The crackdown came as opposition figures and civil society activists also faced mounting pressure. Rights group Agora was summoned by police over allegations of fraud and money laundering, while opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago was arrested and charged with complicity in treason.
Press freedom organisations condemned the military action. The Committee to Protect Journalists described the use of security forces against independent media as a troubling escalation, while Vocal Africa called for the immediate withdrawal of troops and the restoration of all suspended broadcasts.
Kainerugaba insisted the affected outlets would remain closed until he authorises their reopening, warning that all media organisations in Uganda must “follow the rules.” Uganda ranks 143rd out of 180 countries on the latest Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index.
