KAMPALA, Uganda – The offices of a prominent Ugandan news organization were shut down on Sunday under orders from the military chief, who declared that all media outlets in the country would now be required to adhere to specific rules. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the eldest son of President Yoweri Museveni and the country's top military commander since 2024, issued the directive, which targeted the Daily Monitor newspaper and local broadcaster NTV, both part of the Nation Media Group.
Soldiers were stationed outside the Kampala offices of the Daily Monitor on Sunday morning. Kainerugaba, who has increasingly asserted authority typically reserved for the head of state since his father’s recent swearing-in for a seventh term, stated on social media platform X, "I have the power in Uganda to shut down ANY media house I want to." He added, "From now on ALL media in Uganda will follow the rules!"
The National Association of Broadcasters reported that at least six publishing and broadcasting outlets under the Nation Media Group were affected by the closures. The association expressed significant concern regarding the action and its potential impact on the media landscape.
Kainerugaba, who has indicated his intention to succeed his father as president, has recently taken other assertive actions. Earlier in October, he responded to a lawyer who sought to hold him accountable for alleged human rights violations against opposition leader Kizza Besigye. The lawyer, Erias Lukwago, was subsequently arrested and charged with offenses related to the concealment of treason.
President Museveni has led Uganda since 1986 and has not announced a retirement date. Given his established position within the ruling party and the absence of clear rivals, speculation suggests the military may play a role in the succession process.
Associates of Kainerugaba describe him as a dedicated military officer focused on combating corruption. He received military training in the United States and Britain and previously led a presidential guard unit that was later expanded into an elite special forces unit. In addition to his military roles, he founded the Patriotic League of Uganda, a political activist group with members including parliamentary leaders and government ministers.