General Muhoozi Kainerugaba's actions raise alarms over freedom of expression in Uganda
Category: Politics
In a dramatic escalation of press repression, Uganda's army chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the closure of the independent media company Nation Media Group (NMG) on June 28, 2026. This move, which included the shutdown of several major media outlets, including NTV and Spark TV, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and U.S. lawmakers.
Amnesty International has demanded that the Ugandan government cease the harassment of activists and allow the media to operate freely. Kainerugaba, the son of long-time President Yoweri Museveni, is known for threatening critics, particularly opposition leaders. His recent actions are seen as part of a broader trend of stifling dissent in Uganda.
The military's abrupt action began in the early hours of June 28, when armed soldiers surrounded NMG's headquarters in Kampala, effectively placing the media group under siege. By 5 AM, both NTV Uganda and Spark TV were taken off air, with viewers greeted by blank screens displaying the message "video unavailable." The Daily Monitor, another prominent outlet under NMG, has been a key player in Uganda's independent journalism scene for the past 30 years, known for its investigative reporting and editorial independence.
General Kainerugaba justified the shutdown through a series of posts on X, claiming that he had the authority to close any media house at will. He declared, "Both NTV and Monitor will not reopen without my permission," and added, "In Uganda, I DO NOT believe in a free press! The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution." These statements have raised concerns about the future of press freedoms in the country.
As of June 30, negotiations for the reopening of NMG's media outlets were reportedly underway, but the atmosphere remains tense with a heavy military presence surrounding the facilities. Susan Nsibirwa, managing director for NMG in Uganda, confirmed that discussions were taking place, but the outcome remains uncertain.
This latest crackdown is not an isolated incident but rather a culmination of increasing hostility toward independent media in Uganda. Since President Museveni's re-election in January 2026, there has been a marked rise in the repression of opposition voices and media outlets. Kainerugaba's actions follow a pattern of intimidation that has intensified since the disputed elections, where allegations of widespread repression and intimidation against the political opposition were reported.
Human rights groups have documented a series of assaults on journalists in the lead-up to and following the elections. For example, during by-elections in 2025, approximately 20 journalists faced violence at the hands of security forces. This trend has continued into 2026, with reports of journalists being denied access to parliamentary proceedings and facing physical attacks.
The legal framework surrounding media operations in Uganda has also become increasingly restrictive. Recent amendments to laws governing digital communication and civil society have been leveraged to suppress dissent. A proposed "Protection of Sovereignty Bill" could impose severe penalties on journalists reporting critically on government policies, raising alarms among press freedom advocates.
As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring Uganda's crackdown on media freedoms. U.S. lawmakers, including Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have called for a reassessment of security ties with Uganda, labeling Kainerugaba's actions as indicative of an unfit partnership.
On a domestic level, opposition leaders are facing increased scrutiny and repression. Kizza Besigye, a prominent opposition figure, has been detained on politically motivated charges, and his lawyer, Erias Lukwago, was recently arrested under Kainerugaba's orders. Both are scheduled to appear in court on July 3, 2026, highlighting the continuing judicial harassment faced by political opponents.
The response from civil society and media organizations will be key in the coming weeks. Activists and journalists have vowed to continue their work, with some stating, "We will not be silenced; we serve the people, not politicians." The commitment to uphold press freedoms in the face of oppression will be tested as the government intensifies its grip on dissent.
As negotiations for the reopening of NMG's outlets continue, the outcome remains uncertain. The international community's response, particularly from the United States and regional bodies, will likely influence the Ugandan government's approach to media freedoms moving forward. The situation in Uganda serves as a stark reminder of the fragile state of press freedom in many parts of the world, where authoritarianism threatens the fundamental principles of democracy.