Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a warning to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The warning comes after Muhoozi, Uganda’s military chief, threatened to shut down major independent media outlets in Uganda, including Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, and Spark TV.
Speaking to the media at his Wamunyoro residence on June 30, 2026, Gachagua condemned Muhoozi’s remarks and said that press freedom should be upheld.
“I strongly condemn the closure of NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and Daily Monitor by Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi, who is the son of Kaguta Museveni,” said Gachagua.
The former deputy president further criticized the silence of the Kenyan government over the closure of NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and the Daily Monitor, arguing that regional leaders had a duty to defend democratic institutions and fundamental rights.
Gachagua Warns Museveni and Muhoozi Against Media Suppression
Gachagua’s remarks followed the controversial closure of several Ugandan media outlets after actions linked to Uganda’s military leader, Muhoozi, on social media stated that Museveni had approved his closure of the select media houses.
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The affected media organizations include NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor, both part of Nation Media Group, one of East Africa’s largest independent media companies, as well as Spark TV.
In his statement, Gachagua warned that attacks on media freedom represented a return to authoritarian governance practices that many African countries had spent decades trying to overcome.
He argued that freedom of the press should not depend on whether governments approve of media coverage, stressing that the role of journalism is to hold those in power accountable and report the truth.
The former deputy president further warned that continued suppression of media houses and journalists could undermine democratic institutions and damage East Africa’s international reputation.
Links Ruto to Museveni and Muhoozi’s Actions
Gachagua also sought to draw a political connection between President William Ruto and Uganda’s leadership, citing the close relationship between Ruto and Museveni.
The former deputy president claimed that the absence of public condemnation from the Kenyan government reinforced perceptions that Nairobi was unwilling to challenge growing restrictions on media freedom within the region.
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He further alleged that East Africa was witnessing a worrying pattern of democratic backsliding, with governments increasingly targeting independent institutions and critical voices.
Gachagua also condemned President Ruto for failing to publicly defend the rights of journalists and media organizations facing political pressure.
“He is a close confidant of William Ruto, and by association, Ruto is part and parcel of this shutdown. The pattern of media crackdown can be seen even by those who have challenges in seeing. I strongly urge the East African press councils to stand firm and remain vigilant as the three known East African dictators flex their aggressive and civility on the father state. I also urge journalists to remain firm and remain so. In all this, neither William Ruto nor any officer in his government has spoken against this,” added Gachagua.
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