from HASSAN ONYANGO in Kampala, Uganda
Uganda Bureau
KAMPALA, (CAJ News ) – THE closure of outlets belonging to Nation Media Group (NMG), the largest independent media organisation in Uganda, is a direct affront to media freedom in the East African country.
The shutdown, carried out this past weekend, openly highlights the immense and unchecked power wielded by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and son of President Yoweri Museveni.
By this clampdown, he has acted outside the traditional bounds of civil law, as the suspension or closure of a media house is legally the jurisdiction of statutory bodies such as the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) or the courts.
By deploying armed troops at the media house, the controversial Kainerugaba has bypassed the country’s Constitution and legal framework.
Kainerugaba has openly proclaimed that NMG outlets would not reopen without his permission.
Outlets including Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV and other Nation Media Group entities were shut down after troops blocked access to their buildings.
Kainerugaba has been bragging on social media.
“The closure of NTV and Monitor is just the beginning. We are going to arrest many more,” he stated.
“I have the power in Uganda to shut down any media house I want to. I have had this power since 2017. This power was given to me by my great father, President Kaguta Museveni. NTV and Daily Monitor are learning about it today.”
Kainerugaba stated that he believes in a free press.
“The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution.”
The army chief added, “I hear that both NTV and Daily Monitor are losing US$5 million a day from my closure. That’s good news for me.”
Andrew Mwenda, a journalist and Central Committee member of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a civic-political organisation chaired by Kainerugaba, on Sunday said he had held discussions with Kainerugaba.
PLU leaders had agreed that they should reopen the affected media outlets “soon.”
“However, we shall first have discussions with the management of both sister companies. I will inform them when we can have this meeting,” Mwenda said.
NMG reported that the raid, which it disclosed was carried out at about 01h00 on Sunday, resulted in the disconnection of electricity and disruption of normal operations across its radio, television and newspaper platforms.
“While our offices are closed, we will continue to keep you engaged and informed through our digital platforms,” the media group stated.
Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director of the UCC, said consultations had begun with the relevant government stakeholders to obtain verified information.
“The commission urges the public to remain calm and allow these consultations to proceed. We will provide further updates as appropriate once the consultations conclude,” he responded.
NMG has a three-decade history of strained relations with the government.
This has culminated in military raids, financial blockades and forced closures.
The latest conflict before this past weekend’s fallout was in 2025.
NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor reporters were banned from covering State House and presidential events due to alleged “misreporting.”
The ban expanded to Parliament, where security operatives physically barred NMG journalists from entering the building.
Aged 52, Kainerugaba is one of the most divisive figures in Uganda.
His role as Chief of Defence Forces and his status as the son of the president have placed significant authority in his hands.
He is seen as a key figure in an emerging post-Museveni political order, with speculation persisting that he is being groomed to succeed Museveni (81), who has been president for 40 years.
Kainerugaba’s use of social media, for example to threaten the sovereignty of neighbouring countries such as Kenya and Sudan and express support for controversial international figures, has caused significant diplomatic tensions, often necessitating interventions or apologies from the president.
– CAJ News