Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has ordered the closure of several media outlets, including the Daily Monitor and broadcaster NTV, intensifying concerns over press freedom and political repression. Soldiers were deployed to the media organizations’ Kampala offices after Kainerugaba declared that all media must “follow the rules,” asserting he has had the authority to shut down outlets since 2017. He claims the power was granted to him by his father, President Yoweri Museveni. The closures come shortly after Museveni began his seventh consecutive term in office, with his son increasingly viewed as the country’s de facto ruler and likely successor. The National Association of Broadcasters said at least six Nation Media Group outlets were affected. The latest move follows other actions targeting critics and opposition figures, reinforcing concerns that Uganda’s political space and independent media are facing growing restrictions under Kainerugaba’s expanding influence.
AP