Press Freedom Under Threat as Uganda Orders Shutdown of Major Independent Media Group

Uganda’s press freedom has come under renewed scrutiny after the country’s leading independent media organization, Nation Media Group (NMG), was forced to halt operations following an order from the military leadership.

Armed soldiers surrounded NMG’s offices in Kampala on Sunday, leading to the shutdown of its television, radio, and newspaper operations. NTV Uganda and Spark TV were taken off the air in the early hours of the morning, with viewers reporting that broadcasts displayed a “Video unavailable” message instead of regular programming.

Nation Media Group, headquartered in Kenya, is East Africa’s largest independent media company. In Uganda, it operates several prominent news outlets, including the Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and The East African, all of which play a significant role in the country’s media landscape.

The closure followed a series of social media posts by Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who declared that the media outlets should cease operations immediately. In a controversial statement posted on X, Kainerugaba said he does not believe in a free press, arguing that the media should instead be guided by supporters of the country’s ruling revolution.

The general, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, later claimed that his father had approved the decision. He further stated that the affected media outlets would remain closed until he personally authorized their reopening.

President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for four decades, secured another term in office earlier this year. Political observers have increasingly viewed General Kainerugaba as a possible successor, as he continues to assume a more influential role in the country’s political and security affairs.

The shutdown has sparked widespread condemnation from press freedom advocates and opposition leaders. The Committee to Protect Journalists criticized the move, warning that it represents another serious setback for media freedom in Uganda. Opposition leader Bobi Wine also denounced the closure, describing it as an attack on democracy and the public’s right to access independent information.

Uganda has long faced criticism over its treatment of journalists and independent media. According to Reporters Without Borders, the country ranks 143rd out of 180 nations in its global Press Freedom Index. The organization says journalists regularly face intimidation, harassment, arrests, and violence while carrying out their work.

The latest action against Nation Media Group is expected to intensify concerns about freedom of expression ahead of Uganda’s evolving political landscape. Media rights organizations warn that restricting independent journalism weakens democratic accountability and limits citizens’ access to balanced reporting.

As of now, there has been no indication of when the affected media outlets will be allowed to resume operations.