I don’t believe in free press, says Uganda president’s son, shuts media outlets

Uganda's military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has taken a dramatic step by shutting down several independent media outlets, asserting that he does not believe in a free press. On Sunday, Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni and serves as the Chief of Defence Forces, issued a message on X stating that the press should be "guided by cadres of the revolution." This declaration led to the immediate closure of Nation Media Group (NMG) properties, including the Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, and other affiliated radio and television stations. The closures came just hours after military personnel surrounded NMG’s headquarters in Kampala, preventing staff from accessing the premises and disrupting operations.

The timing of the shutdown coincided with a broader crackdown on dissent. According to reports, the military raided NMG’s offices around 1:00 am local time, resulting in electricity disconnections and operational disruptions. A senior NTV reporter described the scene as a "military siege," with armed soldiers stationed outside the building. The Daily Monitor confirmed that its operations were halted, with employees ordered to leave the premises. The closure followed accusations from Kainerugaba that NMG had engaged in a "lifetime of insults" against him, claims he attributed to his father, President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades.

This incident marks a significant escalation in the suppression of independent journalism in Uganda. The Daily Monitor, founded in 1992, has long been a vocal critic of the ruling elite and has faced previous government interventions. In 2013, the paper was temporarily shut down for 13 days after publishing stories about succession plans within the Museveni regime. Now, with the current closures, the government appears to be targeting media outlets that challenge its authority. Kainerugaba has vowed that the outlets will not reopen without his approval, emphasizing his intent to enforce strict controls over the media landscape.

The actions have drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations. The Africa Programme of the Committee to Protect Journalists called the use of state security forces to threaten independent media a "deeply troubling escalation." Similarly, Kenyan-based rights group Vocal Africa criticized the raids as part of a broader attack on civic space in East Africa. They demanded the immediate withdrawal of military forces from NMG’s offices and the restoration of all broadcasting frequencies. Meanwhile, Kainerugaba has continued to assert his dominance, threatening to "arrest many more" individuals he deems responsible for undermining his vision for Uganda’s future.

The political climate in Uganda has become increasingly tense, with Kainerugaba positioning himself as a potential successor to his father. Museveni, who turned 81 in 2023, secured another term in office in January 2023, but many analysts believe that Kainerugaba is actively preparing to assume power. His aggressive rhetoric and actions against critics suggest a strategy aimed at consolidating influence. The military’s involvement in these actions underscores the growing centralization of power under the Museveni family, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and freedoms.

As the situation unfolds, the impact on Ugandan society remains uncertain. Independent media plays a crucial role in holding power accountable, and its suppression risks deepening public distrust and limiting access to critical information. While some officials, such as government spokesperson Alan Kasujja, have attempted to mediate by intervening in the case of NMG’s managing director, the overall trend suggests a tightening grip on media and political discourse. With the international community watching closely, the outcome of this crisis could have lasting consequences for Uganda’s democracy and the rule of law.