The Daily Monitor newspaper reported that armed soldiers were stationed outside its headquarters in Kampala, and that NTV and Spark TV had been taken off air. The outlets are part of the Nation Media Group.
"I DO NOT believe in a free press! The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution."
— Army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba
Military Deployed at Media HQ
Armed soldiers were stationed outside the headquarters of the Daily Monitor newspaper in Kampala, according to reports. NTV and Spark TV were also taken off air. All three outlets are part of the Nation Media Group.
General Declares Power to Shut Down Media
Army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba made a series of statements on social media, asserting his authority over the press. He stated: "I DO NOT believe in a free press!" and declared that "the press should be guided by cadres of the revolution."
Kainerugaba claimed his "great father" had given him the "power to shut down any media house I want to," adding that NTV and Daily Monitor would "not re-open without my permission."
"From now on ALL media in Uganda will follow the rules!" he wrote.
Cause and Context
The cause of the crackdown is unclear.
Gen. Kainerugaba is the son of President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for approximately 40 years. Critics have accused Gen. Kainerugaba of being a central figure in a repressive regime, while supporters argue that the family has ensured stability and economic growth.