In a sharply worded statement issued today, British diplomats in Kampala have condemned the Ugandan army’s recent shutdown of independent media outlets, calling the move a “direct assault on press freedom”. The closures, which took effect on Monday, targeted four radio stations and two television channels known for critical coverage of the government’s human rights record. The British High Commission described the action as a “grave step backwards” for democracy in the East African nation.
The shutdown was ordered by the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), citing national security concerns. According to a military spokesperson, the outlets had broadcast “inflammatory content” that could incite violence. However, press freedom advocates argue that the real motive is to silence dissent ahead of the 2026 general elections. The affected media houses include Radio Simba, a prominent station in Kampala, and Bukedde TV, which has a substantial viewership in the central region.
Dr. Fiona Mutesi, a senior lecturer in political science at Makerere University, noted that the army’s involvement is particularly alarming. “The UPDF has no constitutional mandate to regulate media. This is a clear overreach that undermines civilian oversight and the rule of law,” she said. The British statement echoed this sentiment, emphasising that “a free press is not a threat to stability but a cornerstone of any functioning democracy.”
The shutdown has drawn swift condemnation from international organisations. Reporters Without Borders ranked Uganda 125th out of 180 countries in its 2025 Press Freedom Index, a drop of 10 places from the previous year. The Committee to Protect Journalists called for the immediate reversal of the closures, warning that they could embolden further crackdowns. Local journalists have reported increased harassment and intimidation since the start of the year, with at least three reporters detained in connection with their work.
Ugandan government officials have defended the army’s action. Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi argued that the media outlets had crossed a “red line” by broadcasting “false narratives” about the military. He did not provide specific evidence. Critics, however, point to a pattern of repression: earlier this year, the government blocked social media platforms during opposition protests, and in 2024, it passed a controversial law requiring online broadcasters to obtain licences or face prison terms.
The physical reality on the ground is one of heightened tension. In Kampala’s suburbs, where the affected stations are popular, residents expressed frustration. “We rely on these stations for news about our communities,” said Grace Akello, a shopkeeper in Wandegeya. “Now we have to depend on rumour and silence.” The army has increased patrols around media houses, though no violence has been reported.
This crisis is not an isolated event but part of a broader trend across the region. In neighbouring Tanzania, the government has recently tightened controls on independent outlets, while Rwanda continues to dominate its media landscape with state-aligned messaging. For British diplomats, the Uganda case represents a test of their commitment to democratic values in a strategic partner. The UK is a major donor to Uganda, providing over £40 million in aid last year, and has historically pressured Kampala on human rights issues with limited success.
The immediate future rests on whether the High Court will hear an emergency petition filed by the Uganda Journalists Association. A ruling could come within days. Meanwhile, the British High Commission has signalled it will raise the matter at the United Nations Human Rights Council. As Dr. Mutesi put it, “This shutdown is a stress test for Uganda’s institutions. We will see whether the judiciary and civil society can hold the line.”
For now, the airwaves in Uganda are a little quieter, and the silence speaks volumes about the state of press freedom in one of Africa’s most volatile democracies.
