Muhoozi Kainerugaba asserts control amid Ugandan media crackdown

In Uganda, political control is intensifying as General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni, asserts greater authority over both the military and civil liberties.

On the night of June 27-28, soldiers surrounded the Nation Media Group headquarters in Kampala, cutting electricity and silencing several independent outlets, including NTV Uganda, SparkTV, KFM, Dembe FM, and the Daily Monitor. Following the action, Muhoozi Kainerugaba stated on social media that he has the power to close any media outlet at will, adding that he does not believe in a free press, suggesting it should be guided by revolutionary cadres.

The crackdown occurs amid growing speculation regarding the presidential succession. While President Museveni has not officially endorsed his son's ambitions for the 2031 elections, Muhoozi remains a central figure in the country's political landscape. The political environment remains highly repressive; opposition leader Bobi Wine continues to live in exile following a contested election cycle marked by allegations of massive fraud and violence against his supporters.