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Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba is considered a potential future successor to Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni.

Kampala — Uganda’s leading independent media outlets have been taken off air and placed under military presence, according to reports from journalists and media organisations, amid growing concerns over press freedom in the country.

The Daily Monitor newspaper said armed soldiers were stationed outside its headquarters in the capital Kampala, while NTV Uganda and Spark TV were reportedly taken off air during an overnight operation. The outlets are part of the Nation Media Group, one of East Africa’s largest media conglomerates.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s army chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni, said he did not believe in a free press, adding that the media should be “guided by cadres of the revolution.”

He also claimed that both NTV and the Daily Monitor would not reopen without his approval, and warned that “from now on all media in Uganda will follow the rules.”

The Daily Monitor said staff were blocked from entering or leaving its premises, while viewers of NTV Uganda and Spark TV were met with blank screens displaying a “video unavailable” message.

It remains unclear what triggered the reported crackdown. However, the developments have sparked strong reactions from opposition figures and human rights groups, who accuse the government of tightening control over independent media.

Gen Kainerugaba, who has increasingly become a prominent political figure, has previously made controversial statements targeting opposition leaders and expressing hardline views on

media regulation.

President Yoweri Museveni, 81, has ruled Uganda since 1986 after leading a rebel movement. He secured a seventh term in office in elections earlier this year, which were widely disputed by opposition groups.

Supporters of the government argue that Museveni’s long rule has brought stability and economic progress, while critics say Uganda has seen increasing restrictions on political opposition and press freedom.

The Daily Monitor noted that it had previously faced raids and shutdowns, including a 2013 police operation linked to reporting on alleged succession plans, while NTV Uganda was temporarily taken off air in 2007 following government criticism of its coverage.

The situation remains fluid as authorities have not issued an official explanation for the latest developments.