Uganda's military chief and son of the president, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced on Sunday that he had ordered the shutdown of two major media outlets, declaring that he does not believe in a free press. The Daily Monitor, Uganda's largest independent daily newspaper, and NTV Uganda, one of the country's largest private broadcasters, are affected. Kainerugaba stated on X that the outlets would not reopen without his permission.
Military Deployed at Media Premises
The Daily Monitor reported on Sunday that military personnel had been deployed at Nation Media Group (NMG) premises in Kampala, preventing staff from entering or leaving. NTV Uganda and other NMG TV and radio broadcasters were off-air as of Sunday morning. Kainerugaba wrote on X: "In Uganda, I do not believe in a free press! The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution." He did not provide specific reasons for the closures.
Government and Company Response
Ugandan government spokesperson Alan Kasujja did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. Susan Nsibirwa, managing director for NMG in Uganda, declined immediate comment. Kainerugaba, often mentioned as a potential successor to his father, President Yoweri Museveni, has a history of controversial social media posts, including threats against opposition leader Bobi Wine.
Historical Context of Media Crackdowns
In 2013, the government shut down the Daily Monitor for 10 days over reports about Museveni's succession. The latest crackdown follows Kainerugaba's posts on X, where he asserted that his father had given him the power to shut down any media house. He said both NTV and Daily Monitor would not reopen without his permission, adding, "From now on ALL media in Uganda will follow the rules!"
Opposition and Human Rights Reactions
Opposition and human rights groups accuse Kainerugaba of being a central figure in a repressive regime. Supporters argue that the Museveni family has ensured stability and economic growth. President Museveni, 81, has ruled since 1986 and won a seventh term in disputed January elections. Defeated opposition candidate Bobi Wine, now in exile, stated that Kainerugaba had "moved to silence Uganda's remaining independent voices," describing a country under open military rule where fear replaces law.
Details of the Shutdown
The Daily Monitor reported that staff were barred from entering or leaving the compound, and NTV Uganda and Spark TV viewers saw blank screens with "video unavailable." The newspaper noted it was raided by police in 2013 over a letter about the 'Muhoozi Project' succession plan, and NTV was forced off air in 2007 for negative coverage. Museveni has previously called the Daily Monitor an "enemy and evil newspaper." Uganda's National Broadcasters Association said the shutdown violates the constitution and will seek clarification.
Broader Repression Concerns
During the January election, Kainerugaba caused outrage with deleted posts threatening to remove Bobi Wine's testicles. Opposition rallies were disrupted, and security forces sometimes opened fire. The United Nations described the election as held in an environment of widespread repression and intimidation, though election officials deemed it free and fair.
