The British government has called for Commonwealth sanctions against Uganda after the country's army chief ordered the shutdown of one of its leading independent media outlets. The move, condemned by press freedom groups, marks the latest escalation in a crackdown on dissent ahead of planned protests.
Uganda's army chief, General Muhoozi Keteri, on Wednesday ordered the closure of Daily Monitor, a newspaper known for its critical coverage of the regime. Soldiers raided the offices, seized equipment, and locked doors. The paper's editor, speaking from hiding, described the act as 'a declaration of war on journalism.'
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the action was 'an assault on democracy' and urged the Commonwealth to impose immediate sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes on those responsible. 'This is not a domestic affair. It is a threat to the values our Commonwealth stands for,' Lammy told Parliament.
The shutdown comes weeks after President Yoweri Museveni warned of 'enemies of the state' within the media. Human Rights Watch says Uganda has seen a 40 percent rise in press violations this year. Journalists have been arrested, websites blocked, and TV stations taken off air.
For the citizens of Kampala, the closure is personal. 'We know the truth when we see it. Without the Monitor, we are blind,' said a market trader. The paper had exposed corruption in the army and covered opposition rallies. Its loss leaves only state-aligned outlets, trusted by few.
The Commonwealth, of which Uganda is a member, has a charter pledging to uphold press freedom. But its record on enforcement is patchy. Sanctions require consensus, and some African members fear setting a precedent. 'The UK is right to push, but the bloc must act quickly to be credible,' said a diplomat in London.
For now, the Daily Monitor's presses are silent. But its journalists say they will continue reporting online, despite the risks. 'They can take our building, but not our voice,' one reporter wrote on social media.
The UK's demand puts pressure on the Commonwealth ahead of its summit in October. Whether it can turn words into action will test its relevance in defending democratic norms.
