Key facts
- Ugandan army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the closure of the Daily Monitor newspaper and NTV.
- Soldiers were deployed outside the Daily Monitor offices.
- At least six publishing and broadcasting outlets under Nation Media Group were closed.
- Gen. Kainerugaba stated that all media in Uganda will follow his rules.
- He asserted his authority as the country's de facto ruler.
Uganda's leading independent media group has stated it is under "military siege" after army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the closure of TV stations, newspapers, and radio outlets. Soldiers were stationed outside the headquarters of the Daily Monitor newspaper, and NTV and Spark TV were taken off air. Gen. Kainerugaba, who is the son of President Yoweri Museveni, asserted his authority, stating on social media that he does not believe in a free press and that all media in Uganda will follow his rules. He added that he has the power to shut down any media house he wishes and that the affected outlets will not reopen without his permission. At least six outlets belonging to the Nation Media Group were affected. This action comes amid speculation that President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is grooming his son to succeed him. Kainerugaba also recently retaliated against attorney Erias Lukwago, who sought to hold him accountable for alleged rights violations against opposition leader Kizza Besigye. Lukwago was seized and later charged with treason-related offenses.