• Uganda's military chief has ordered the shutdown of key media outlets, asserting control over press freedom.
• General Muhoozi Kainerugaba declared that he does "not believe in a free press," marking a significant shift in media relations.
• The shutdown affects several channels, including the Daily Monitor and NTV, amidst heightened military presence.

Uganda's military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has ordered the closure of major media outlets, declaring, "I do not believe in a free press!" The order specifically targets Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda, both prominent members of the Nation Media Group. Kainerugaba announced that these outlets "will not re-open without my permission," reinforcing his authority amid claims that he is positioning himself to succeed his father, President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled since 1986, according to Indiatimes, Los Angeles Times, and AllAfrica.

The military presence at the premises of the affected outlets has been described as a "military siege," with reports of armed soldiers preventing staff entry and exit from the Daily Monitor. The National Association of Broadcasters expressed grave concern over these events, viewing them as detrimental to Uganda's media ecosystem. Kainerugaba's actions follow a broader crackdown on dissent and independent media, intensifying fears regarding future press freedoms in Uganda, according to Los Angeles Times and AllAfrica.

In a stark proclamation on social media, Kainerugaba emphasized, "From now on ALL media in Uganda will follow the rules!" His assertion aligns with recent actions against political opponents and activists. Earlier this month, he was implicated in retaliatory actions against legal representatives of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who faces treason charges viewed as politically motivated. The heightened military involvement in media operations suggests a definitive shift toward authoritarian governance, amplifying concerns about human rights in Uganda, according to Indiatimes, Los Angeles Times, and AllAfrica.