Press freedom in Uganda has been thrown into turmoil this year by the military chief, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who shut down two of the country’s largest independent media organisations, accussed of not believing in a free press in one of the toughest official attacks on independent journalism in recent years.
General Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni and considered a contender for his father’s office, said on his X account that Daily Monitor, the country’s biggest independent newspaper, and NTV Uganda, one of the leading private television stations in the nation would be barred until he gives their reopening a go-ahead.
He didn’t specify exactly why, but he said that the media must not run and should instead obtain “cadres of the revolution” to direct their operations.
As soon as their announcement was made, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) deployed soldiers to the Nation Media Group Uganda in Kampala Uganda headquarters, which prevented journalists and others working there from entering or exiting the premises within few hours.
The incumbent Nation Media Group, who owns just one Television and radio station in Kenya, Nation TV, and one in Uganda, NTV Uganda was suspended, effectively putting one of the country’s most influential independent news organizations off the air.
It has brought back into the national consciousness a shutdown of the Daily Monitor some 10 days ago by the Museveni government, after an allegation of a succession plan for General Kainerugaba. It’s music that President Museveni, who has been ruling Uganda since 1986, and his son — increasingly a key political and military player from his promotion as Chief of Defence Forces in 2024 — can hardly stay away from.
General Kainerugaba has been channeled numerous times both locally and internationally for his controversial tweets on social media platforms, which have included threats to opposition politicians including Bobi Wine.
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His considerable influence has left speculation rife that he may want to take over from his father, especially now that Mr Museveni had extended his term as president earlier this year.
The media crackdown is expected to further aggravate worries about democratic governance and freedom of expression and reducing civic space in Uganda, according to analysts.
This report was prepared before the official explanation that the government gave regarding the closures in Uganda; and in Nation Media Group case, where a more detailed announcement and public response has not yet been provided.
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Pressure on journalists is likely to follow, and this step might be interpreted as an example of increased political manipulation of independent media ahead of future political events, concern has been expressed by NGO activists for press freedom.
