Ugandan General Shuts Down Media Outlets and Declares Himself De Facto Ruler

Armed soldiers raided the offices of Uganda's leading opposition newspaper, Daily Monitor, and several television stations in Kampala on Sunday, following direct orders from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the commander of the Ugandan army. This aggressive move led to the immediate closure of at least six major media outlets as part of a broader crackdown on the press. Kainerugaba, who is the eldest son of Uganda's long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, declared that all media in the East African country must now comply with new regulations, asserting, "I have the power to shut down any media outlet I want, a power given to me by my father since 2017."

Kainerugaba assumed command of the military in 2024, shortly after his father was sworn in for a seventh consecutive presidential term. He has since consolidated control over the country by issuing orders typically reserved for the head of state. The media closures targeted outlets owned by Kenya's Nation Media Group, including the Daily Monitor and local TV network NTV. Uganda's National Broadcasting Association expressed deep concern about the move, warning it could severely damage the country's media ecosystem.

The general's growing influence in Kampala signals a likely succession plan to replace his 81-year-old father, who has ruled Uganda since 1986. Museveni has not announced any retirement plans, and with no significant political rivals within the ruling party, many believe the military will determine the next leader. Supporters describe Kainerugaba as a disciplined officer committed to fighting corruption if elected president. He trained at prestigious military schools in the US and UK and commands an elite presidential guard unit.

This media crackdown follows recent actions against Uganda's judiciary, including a campaign against prominent lawyer Aria Lukwago, who sought to hold Kainerugaba accountable for alleged human rights abuses against opposition leader Kizza Besigye. Besigye was abducted in Nairobi in 2024 and remains detained on politically motivated treason charges. Lukwago was forcibly taken from his home and charged with "concealing treason," a move seen as intimidation against the legal system.

The closure of media outlets marks a significant step in Kainerugaba's establishment as Uganda's de facto ruler, tightening his grip on power ahead of a potential presidential succession.