A statement circulating on social media and attributed to Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba has claimed that certain media houses, including NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor, have been shut down and placed under new restrictions.
The post further alleges that all “negative stories” about Uganda will now require approval from his office before being published.
However, there has been no official confirmation from the Uganda government, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, or the affected media houses regarding any shutdown or new directive of this nature.
NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor, both operated by Nation Media Group, have continued their normal programming and publishing schedules as of the latest available information.
The alleged statement has circulated widely online, attracting attention and sparking debate about media freedom and the role of security officials in public communication.
In the same post, Muhoozi is said to have warned against the publication of stories that portray Uganda negatively, suggesting tighter scrutiny of media content.
The claims have not been independently verified, and no official legal notice or regulatory order has been issued to support the alleged shutdown.
Media experts have noted that such statements, whether real or fabricated, highlight ongoing tensions between sections of the media and political actors in Uganda.
Uganda’s media landscape includes several private broadcasters and newspapers that regularly report on political developments, governance issues, and public affairs.
Journalists and press freedom advocates have previously raised concerns about the safety and independence of media practitioners in politically sensitive environments.
The alleged remarks have therefore sparked renewed discussion on the boundaries between national security communication and press freedom.
Some online users interpreted the message as an expression of frustration with critical reporting, while others dismissed it as misinformation or misrepresentation.
Observers emphasize that official media regulation in Uganda is handled by legally mandated bodies, not individual offices or personal directives.
As of now, neither the Uganda Communications Commission nor the Ministry of ICT has issued any notice regarding suspension of the named media outlets.
The Nation Media Group, which owns both NTV and Daily Monitor, has also not released any statement confirming changes to its operations.
Despite the viral nature of the claims, the situation on the ground indicates that both media houses continue to operate normally.
Experts warn that false reports about media shutdowns can contribute to confusion and unnecessary public alarm.
They also stress the importance of verifying statements attributed to public figures, especially those involving national institutions.
The story reflects how quickly unverified political content can spread across social media platforms in Uganda and beyond.
Until any official confirmation is made, the alleged statement remains unverified, and the status of the media houses remains unchanged and fully operational.
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