world 30 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Global Press Organizations Denounce Media Shutdowns in Uganda
International media advocacy groups, including WAN-IFRA and the World Editors Forum, have strongly condemned the recent military raid and shutdown of Nation Media Group's operations in Uganda, calling for an immediate reversal of these actions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/world-s-press-condemns-media-shutdowns-in-uganda-5514510
Global press freedom advocates are raising serious concerns following a military raid that forced the shutdown of Nation Media Group’s broadcast and print operations in Uganda. The World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the World Editors Forum have penned a letter to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, vehemently condemning the early morning raid on Sunday, June 28th, which saw military personnel occupy the group’s Kampala premises.
During the operation, television and radio broadcasts were taken off the air, and print publications were halted. Reports indicate that journalists and staff were temporarily detained, exacerbating fears for media worker safety. These actions are understood to stem from directives issued by the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, whose public statements have reportedly dismissed press freedom and suggested media should only operate with military approval.
WAN-IFRA and the World Editors Forum described these events as a “grave violation” of constitutional guarantees and international standards designed to protect freedom of expression and the press. They emphasized that such actions undermine the fundamental right of Ugandans to access information and damage the country’s international standing.
The organizations are urging President Museveni to immediately order the reopening of all shuttered media outlets, ensure the withdrawal of military personnel, and publicly denounce General Kainerugaba’s anti-press sentiments. They also called for renewed government commitment to the Ugandan Constitution and its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
WAN-IFRA has pledged to closely monitor the situation and engage with international stakeholders, including EU partners, to advocate for the safety of journalists and the restoration of media freedom in Uganda. This incident marks a significant escalation in pressure on independent media within the country.