**Title: Uganda’s Military Chief Orders Shutdown of Two Major Media Outlets**
**Kampala, Uganda** – In a significant move that has raised concerns about press freedom in Uganda, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni, announced the closure of two of the country’s largest media outlets on Sunday. The Daily Monitor, recognized as Uganda's largest independent daily newspaper, and NTV Uganda, a prominent private broadcaster, are both affected by this directive.
Kainerugaba made his announcement via social media platform X, stating, “In Uganda, I do not believe in a free press!” He further emphasized that any negative coverage about the country would require clearance from his office, indicating a shift towards tighter control over media narratives.
The military chief's order comes with a historical context. He claimed to have held the authority to shut down media outlets since 2017, a power granted to him by President Museveni. This is not the first time the government has taken action against these media entities; the Daily Monitor was previously shut down for ten days in 2013, and NTV Uganda faced a similar fate shortly after its launch in 2007.
Reports indicate that armed security personnel have been deployed outside the headquarters of the Nation Media Group (NMG) in Namuwongo, Kampala, where both the Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda are based. Staff members reported being unable to enter or exit the premises, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the closures.
As of Sunday, other media outlets owned by NMG, including Spark TV, were also reportedly off the air. The abrupt shutdown has drawn attention from various stakeholders, including the Uganda National Association of Broadcasters, which expressed deep concern regarding the implications for media freedom and the constitutional rights of citizens.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the Uganda Police Force, and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) have not yet provided any official statements regarding the closures or the military's actions.
The situation has sparked widespread debate about the future of press freedom in Uganda, particularly as Kainerugaba is viewed as a potential successor to President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986. The military chief's controversial social media presence and statements have raised alarms among advocates for free speech and independent journalism.
As the situation develops, the implications of this media shutdown on the broader Ugandan media landscape and civil liberties remain to be seen.