Uganda's military chief orders shutdown of two major media outlets

Uganda's military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has ordered the shutdown of two prominent media outlets, the Daily Monitor newspaper and NTV Uganda television. Kainerugaba, who is also the president's son, declared on Sunday that he "does not believe in a free press" and insisted that journalists must follow the guidance of "cadres of the revolution."

Both outlets, owned by the Kenyan-based Nation Media Group, will "not re-open without my permission," Kainerugaba posted on X/Twitter. Specific reasons for the closures were not provided. Reports indicated that military personnel were present at the media group's premises in the capital, Kampala, preventing staff from entering or leaving. NTV Uganda and other NMG broadcasters were reportedly off the air.

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In Uganda, I do not believe in a free press! The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution.

Kainerugaba, often seen as a potential successor to his father, President Yoweri Museveni, is known for his provocative social media activity. This action follows a history of government pressure on the Daily Monitor, which was previously shut down for 10 days in 2013 over succession reporting. The Ugandan government spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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the Daily Monitor - Uganda's largest independent daily newspaper - and NTV Uganda, one of the country's largest private broadcasters, would "not re-open without my permission."