Uganda’s military chief orders shutdown of two media outlets

https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/christine-maguire-1770552715.jpg?resize=96%2C96&quality=80″ srcset=”/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/christine-maguire-1770552715.jpg?resize=96%2C96&quality=80 96w” sizes=”(max-width: 96px) 96px, 96px” aria-hidden=”true”/>Published On 28 Jun 202628 Jun 2026

Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has ordered the shutdown of two major media outlets—the Daily Monitor, the country’s largest independent daily newspaper, and NTV Uganda, a leading private broadcaster. Both outlets are owned by Nation Media Group (NMG) and have been inaccessible to staff since military personnel prevented them from entering or leaving their headquarters and Serena Hotel location in Kampala.

In a series of social media posts on X, Kainerugaba, who is also the president’s son, declared, “In Uganda, I do not believe in a free press!” He further stated, “From now on ALL bad stories about Uganda have to be cleared by my office!”—signaling a broad crackdown on independent journalism.

Kainerugaba asserted that he has held the authority to close media outlets since 2017, a power granted by his father, President Yoweri Museveni. This move aligns with past actions, including the 10-day shutdown of the Daily Monitor in 2013 and the temporary closure of NTV Uganda in 2007 after critical coverage.

The military deployment has raised alarms among media watchdogs. The Uganda National Association of Broadcasters expressed deep concern, emphasizing the implications for constitutional rights and the media landscape. As of now, Uganda’s UPDF, Police Force, and Communications Commission have not issued official statements on the operation.

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