Uganda’s Military Chief Orders Shutdown of Two Media Outlets

Uganda’s military chief has ordered the closure of two of the country’s major media organisations, saying they will not reopen without his approval.

The Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced that Daily Monitor, Uganda’s largest independent newspaper, and NTV Uganda, one of the country’s biggest private television stations, had been shut down.

Kainerugaba, who is the son of President Yoweri Museveni, said he did not believe in a free press and warned that media reports about Uganda would need approval from his office.

Armed security personnel were reportedly deployed to the offices of the media organisations in Kampala, with some staff saying people were prevented from entering or leaving.

Both outlets are owned by the Nation Media Group (NMG). Other NMG-owned television and radio stations were also reportedly affected.

Uganda’s military, police and communications authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the operation.

The National Association of Broadcasters in Uganda expressed concern, saying the move could affect media freedom and constitutional rights.

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