Uganda’s Military Orders Closure of Key Media Outlets Amidst Free Speech Clampdown Kampala, Uganda – In a dramatic escalation of the clampdown on free speech in Uganda, the nation’s army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has ordered the closure of NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor, both part of the Nation Media Group.
The shutdown has been met with global alarm, as it follows a series of measures aimed at restricting freedom of expression. Soldiers sealed off the Nation Media Group’s Kampala offices, cutting power to studios and preventing staff from entering. General Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, declared on the social media platform X that he does not believe in a free press, advocating instead for media guided by the ‘cadres of the revolution.
‘The Daily Monitor reported that it was under “military siege, “with armed soldiers guarding its offices. This action marks a significant development in Uganda’s history of political tension and restrictions on freedom of speech. President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has faced accusations of using his authority to suppress opposition and dissent.
The shutdown of these media outlets is viewed as a direct attack on freedom of speech and the press. General Kainerugaba’s statements indicate a desire to control the narrative and diminish the influence of independent media.
The international community has responded with concern, with the United Nations calling for an immediate end to the restrictions on media freedom. Several countries have issued statements condemning the action, and the African Union has expressed its concern and called for a thorough investigation.
The long — term implications for freedom of speech and media independence in Uganda remain uncertain.
However, the situation is a cause for concern for those advocating for democracy and press freedom in the region.
The potential legal consequences for General Kainerugaba and the Ugandan government are also a matter of concern, as the shutdown has been widely criticized as a violation of international law.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: rfi
Source: RFI
