Uganda has been thrust into the eye of an international political storm after one of America’s most powerful senators demanded that Washington reconsider its military partnership with Kampala following the dramatic shutdown of Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda.
In an extraordinary intervention, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Jim Risch accused Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba of attacking press freedom and declared that Uganda’s army should no longer be treated as a trusted American security partner.”The U.S. needs to review its security relationship with Uganda,” Risch posted on X.
“Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s attacks on free speech, including shuttering major media houses this weekend, make him and the UPDF unfit partners. We should only work with those who advance regional security, not diminish it.”The comments sent shockwaves through Uganda’s political circles, triggering furious exchanges online between government officials, Muhoozi’s supporters and opposition activists.
SOLDIERS MOVED IN
The controversy erupted after Gen. Muhoozi ordered the immediate closure of Nation Media Group Uganda. Within hours, UPDF soldiers moved into the company’s headquarters on Eighth Street in Namuwongo before taking control of NTV Uganda’s studios at Serena Hotel.
The operation followed a series of social media posts by the CDF, including one that has attracted worldwide attention.”I do not believe in free press. NMG will not reopen without my permission,” Gen. Muhoozi wrote. The remarks have since been cited by critics as evidence of growing pressure on media freedom in Uganda.
KABANDA FIRES BACK
Government allies wasted no time responding. Former Patriotic League of Uganda Secretary General Daudi Kabanda accused Senator Risch of interfering in Uganda’s affairs while ignoring America’s own military record.
Kabanda questioned Washington’s involvement in conflicts abroad and reminded the senator of Uganda’s contribution to regional security, especially the UPDF’s role in Somalia.”If you can’t appreciate the wars the UPDF has fought for your country in Somalia, then at least keep quiet,” Kabanda wrote.
BALAAM DEFENDS CDF
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara also came out strongly in defence of Gen. Muhoozi.He insisted Uganda remains a democratic country that respects freedom of expression but said no nation can allow media freedom to undermine national security or constitutional order.
Barugahara described Uganda as a dependable regional ally that has consistently contributed to peacekeeping, counter-terrorism operations and regional stability.He urged international partners to respect Uganda’s sovereignty instead of relying on what he called politically motivated narratives.
SOCIAL MEDIA ERUPTS
The senator’s remarks sparked hundreds of reactions from Ugandans. Supporters of Gen. Muhoozi accused the United States of practising double standards, arguing that Washington frequently criticises other countries while overlooking its own military interventions around the world.
Some praised the UPDF for maintaining stability in the region and argued that media freedom should never extend to activities they believe threaten national security.Others insisted Uganda’s sovereignty should be respected and rejected what they described as foreign interference in domestic affairs.
OPPOSITION APPLAUDS
Opposition supporters welcomed the senator’s intervention. Some argued that Uganda’s international partners should move beyond issuing statements and impose meaningful consequences when democratic freedoms are restricted.
Political commentator Yasin Kakande argued that despite public criticism, successive American administrations have continued supporting President Yoweri Museveni because Uganda remains strategically important to Washington’s regional interests.
HIGH-STAKES RELATIONSHIP
The row now threatens to cast fresh uncertainty over one of East Africa’s most important security partnerships.For years, Uganda has been a key American ally in regional peacekeeping missions and counter-terrorism operations, particularly in Somalia. Whether Senator Risch’s call translates into official U.S. policy remains to be seen. But one thing is certain.
The shutdown of Nation Media Group Uganda has grown from a domestic media dispute into an international diplomatic showdown—one that is now testing Uganda’s global image, its commitment to press freedom and the future of its relationship with Washington.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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Our top military team should get in mind that our upcoming youth are witnessing the abduction,s athreat on future governance.
You shouldn’t say US is intervening the whole issue is about Human right abuse , we prefer rule of law to prevail