Africa-Press. The leader of the Ugandan army, who is the son of the president, announced that he ordered the closure of two leading media institutions, stating that he “does not believe in press freedom.”
Muzeeyi Kainerugaba said that the “Daily Monitor,” the largest independent daily newspaper in Uganda, and “NTV Uganda,” one of the largest private television channels in the country, “will not resume operations without my permission.”
Kainerugaba wrote in a series of posts on the platform “X”: “In Uganda, I do not believe in press freedom! The press must be directed by the cadres of the revolution.”
He did not provide specific reasons for the closure of the two media institutions, which are owned by a media group based in Kenya and listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange.
The “Daily Monitor” reported on Sunday that military forces were deployed at the headquarters of the media group in the capital Kampala, and that employees were prevented from entering or leaving the premises.
All channels of “NTV Uganda” and other television and radio stations of the media group in the country were cut off on Sunday morning. According to reports, the Ugandan government spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. Susan Nsiibirwa, the general manager of the media group in Uganda, stated that she had no immediate comment.
Kainerugaba, who is seen as a potential successor to his father, President Yoweri Museveni, is known for his controversial posts on social media, including threats to behead prominent opposition leader Bobi Wine. In 2013, Museveni’s government, which has ruled the country since 1986, closed the “Daily Monitor” for 10 days due to reports related to succession.
