Uganda’s military chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, ordered the shutdown of two of the country’s leading media outlets on Sunday, escalating pressure on the press in a move that appeared to assert his authority beyond the military.
Kainerugaba, who is also President Yoweri Museveni’s son, said the Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda would not reopen without his permission. Reuters reported that he declared he did “not believe in a free press.” He warned that all media “will follow the rules.”
đź“Ś pic.twitter.com/KZQQC1W5pQ
— NTV UGANDA (@ntvuganda) June 28, 2026
A decree with little room for debate
In a series of posts on X, Kainerugaba wrote, “In Uganda, I do not believe in a free press! The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution.”
He also said, “I have the power in Uganda to shut down ANY media house I want to,” adding, “I have had this power since 2017. This power was given to me by my great father.”
He later said, “From now on ALL media in Uganda will follow the rules!” Al Jazeera reported a similar message from Kainerugaba, saying, “From now on ALL bad stories about Uganda have to be cleared by my office!”
The Uganda Communications Commission has noted the circumstances that have led to the Nation Media Group's outlets, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Dembe FM, and KFM, going off air.
— Hon. Nyombi Thembo (@UCC_ED) June 28, 2026
Consultations have begun with the relevant government stakeholders to obtain verified…
The newsroom doors fall unusually quiet
The Daily Monitor, Uganda’s largest independent daily, and NTV Uganda, one of the country’s biggest private broadcasters, are both owned by Nation Media Group, a Kenya-based conglomerate.
Armed security was outside NMG’s headquarters in Namuwongo and at its Serena Hotel location, with staff saying “no one was being allowed to enter or leave.” NTV Uganda and other NMG television and radio stations in the country were down by Sunday morning.
Old echoes return to the fore
The order also revived memories of earlier confrontations between the state and the same media houses.
Museveni’s government shut down the Daily Monitor for 10 days in 2013 over reports about succession. NTV Uganda had previously been taken off air in 2007 after government criticism of its coverage.
Kainerugaba, who has been touted as a possible successor to his father, has long been known for provocative social media posts, including threats against opposition leader Bobi Wine. He has strengthened his grip in recent days after Museveni was sworn in for a seventh consecutive term.
The wider reckoning begins
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces, the police, and the Uganda Communications Commission had yet to issue a statement.
The National Association of Broadcasters said it was closely monitoring the situation and was “deeply concerned about this action and its impact on the media ecosystem.” The closure order has deepened worries over press freedom in Uganda at a time when Kainerugaba’s political influence appears to be expanding.
Also Read | Firefighters rescue trapped dogs from Venezuela earthquake rubble, offering rare hope amid devastation
FAQs
Q1: Why did Uganda's military chief order the closure of Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda?
Ans: Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba said the outlets had refused to follow his rules and declared they would remain closed until he allowed them to reopen.
Q2: Which media organisations were affected by the Uganda shutdown order?
Ans: The order targeted the Daily Monitor newspaper and NTV Uganda, both owned by Kenya-based Nation Media Group.
