Full Breakdown
Uganda’s Military Chief Orders Shutdown of Major Media Outlets
6/28/2026, 9:26:48 PM
Military Order to Close Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda
On Sunday, 28 June 2026, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and son of President Yoweri Museveni, announced the closure of the Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda. He declared that the two outlets would not resume operations without his permission. Armed security personnel were deployed to Nation Media Group (NMG) premises in Kampala, preventing staff from entering or leaving the facilities.
Background and Recent Authority of Muhoozi Kainerugaba
Kainerugaba has been authorized to suspend media since 2017, when President Museveni granted him that power. He previously ordered a ten-day shutdown of the Daily Monitor in 2013 and the removal of NTV Uganda in 2007 after criticism of its coverage.
Key Organizations Involved
The affected outlets are the Daily Monitor newspaper and NTV Uganda broadcaster, both owned by Kenya-based Nation Media Group (NMG). The UPDF deployed troops to enforce the order. The Uganda Police Force, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) have not issued statements.
On-the-Ground Situation
Armed personnel blocked entry at NMG’s Namuwongo headquarters and its Serena Hotel site in Kampala, preventing staff movement; NTV Uganda, Spark TV and other NMG stations were off-air by early Sunday.
Official Statements and Institutional Responses
Kainerugaba announced on X that he does not support a free press and that media stories must be cleared by his office, offering no justification. Government spokesperson Alan Kasujja did not reply to Reuters; the UPDF, Police Force and UCC have not released statements. The National Association of Broadcasters expressed concern about the action’s impact on the media ecosystem.
Criticism and Opposition
Legal analysts and civil-society groups say the shutdown may breach constitutional press-freedom guarantees. It follows prior threats against opposition leader Bobi Wine, raising concerns about political repression and media plurality.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
Sources disagree on the exact timing of the shutdown, and no official rationale has been given; key agencies remain silent, leaving the legal basis unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In Uganda, I do not believe in a free press!” — Muhoozi Kainerugaba, X post.
- “From now on ALL bad stories about Uganda have to be cleared by my office!” — Muhoozi Kainerugaba, X post.
- “In Uganda, I do not believe in a free press! The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution,” — Muhoozi Kainerugaba, X post.
- “deeply concerned about this action and its impact on the media ecosystem” — National Association of Broadcasters, statement.
What’s Next
The National Association of Broadcasters will file complaints with the UCC; media groups may seek legal redress, and further statements from the UPDF or presidency could clarify reinstatement conditions.
