The Uganda army chief has ordered the closure of several media outlets in a sweeping crackdown on press freedom, drawing swift condemnation from the UK government. In a directive announced late Wednesday, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba cited national security concerns, but critics say the move is designed to silence dissent ahead of elections. The affected stations and newspapers had been critical of the government’s human rights record.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the closures “an assault on democratic values” and urged Kampala to reverse course. “A free press is not a threat but a pillar of any functioning society,” Lammy said. “The UK stands with journalists and the Ugandan people.”
Local journalists described the crackdown as the worst in years. “This is a dark day for Uganda,” said a reporter who asked not to be named. “We are being punished for doing our job.” The closures come after months of tension between the army and the media, with several reporters facing arrest and intimidation.
The Ugandan government has not yet responded to the UK’s criticism. But analysts say the move signals a deepening authoritarian shift under President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled since 1986. The closures will likely compound an already struggling economy, with investors wary of instability.
For now, the voices of Uganda’s independent media have been silenced. London’s condemnation may offer moral support, but without concrete action, it risks being just words.
