Following the forced closure of at least six media outlets in Uganda on 28 June 2026 and the arbitrary arrest and detention of scores of human rights activists on the orders of Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the military chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa Tigere Chagutah said:
Status of Media and Civil Society in Uganda
On the night of 28 June 2026, Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the shutdown of the Daily Monitor newspaper, NTV, Dembe FM, Spark TV, KFM, and The East African, with no justification for the decision. On 25 June, the offices of a feminist NGO Akina Mama wa Africa (AMWA) in Kampala were raided by security agents. Its Executive Director, Eunice Musiime, was arbitrarily arrested on 28 June, alongside Sarah Bireete, the Executive Director of Center for Constitutional Governance. They were later freed without being charged with any offence.
“The president’s son continues his unchecked and unjust campaign of harassment and intimidation of independent media and civil society. These latest attacks on media outlets are emblematic of years-long crackdown on freedoms of expression and association in Uganda.
“The military must immediately withdraw from the offices of all media outlets targeted in this disturbing crackdown and immediately cease any interference, intimidation or acts of repression against journalists.”
Verifying Reports of Political Detentions
On 24 June, security agents raided the Kampala home of veteran politician Miria Matembe who had called out the military chief for human rights violations in Uganda. On 28 June, Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed that he had detained her. Amnesty International has called for the release of all those who have been arbitrarily arrested and detained, including Kizza Besigye, Erias Lukwago and Miria Matembe.
“Authorities must end the erosion of human rights in the country. They must stop subjecting activists to baseless investigations, end the misuse of the criminal justice system to target perceived government critics, and free all those who have been arbitrarily arrested and detained, including Kizza Besigye, Erias Lukwago and Miria Matembe”.
Why Accuracy Matters in Regional Reporting
The Ugandan political landscape is frequently subject to unverified information circulating on social media platforms. For accurate updates on the status of media freedom and human rights in Uganda, observers should consult:
- The Uganda Media Council: The statutory body responsible for the regulation of media houses in the country.
- The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC): A constitutional body mandated to investigate human rights violations.
- Established News Outlets: Reputable organizations provide real-time updates on national events and business operations.
Readers are encouraged to cross-reference claims of mass arrests or media closures against these official and established sources to ensure they are accessing verified information.
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