Uganda's independent media faced a severe crackdown on June 28, 2026, when armed soldiers surrounded the headquarters of the Daily Monitor in Kampala, ordered by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni. The shutdown also took NTV Uganda and Spark TV off air, with viewers seeing blank screens displaying 'video unavailable.' The Nation Media Group described the situation as a 'military siege,' with staff reporting that no one was allowed to enter or leave the Daily Monitor compound.
General Declares Opposition to Free Press
In posts on X, Gen Kainerugaba declared, 'I DO NOT believe in a free press! The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution.' He added that his 'great father' had given him the 'power to shut down any media house I want to,' insisting that NTV and Daily Monitor would 'not re-open without my permission.' He concluded, 'From now on ALL media in Uganda will follow the rules!' This marks a significant escalation in state pressure on independent journalism.
History of Media Suppression in Uganda
According to the BBC, this is not the first time Uganda's independent media has faced restrictions. In 2013, police stormed the Daily Monitor after it published a letter linking senior officials to a succession plan dubbed the 'Muhoozi Project.' In 2007, NTV was forced off air after government accusations of negative coverage. President Museveni has repeatedly criticized the Daily Monitor, once calling it an 'enemy and evil newspaper' over its critical journalism.
Political Context and Human Rights Concerns
President Museveni, 81, has ruled Uganda for nearly 40 years. He secured a seventh term in disputed elections in January 2026, which the United Nations said were held in an environment of 'widespread repression and intimidation against the political opposition.' Opposition rallies were disrupted, sometimes violently, and Gen Kainerugaba caused outrage during the campaign with deleted posts threatening opposition candidate Bobi Wine. Critics accuse him of being central to a repressive regime, while supporters argue that the Museveni family has brought stability and economic growth.
International Reactions and Press Freedom Concerns
The shutdown has raised fresh concerns about press freedom and political repression in Uganda. The Nation Media Group, which operates Daily Monitor, NTV, and Spark TV, has not yet announced any legal action. The Ugandan government has not issued an official statement, but the military presence at the Daily Monitor headquarters remains. This incident follows Museveni's swearing-in for a seventh term, where heavy security, including armored tanks, was deployed across Kampala. The government declared the day a public holiday, with thousands of supporters gathering at Kololo Independence Grounds.
