Uganda Fires Back at Gachagua Over Claims Ruto Influenced NMG Shutdown
Share
Uganda has responded to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s claims that President William Ruto influenced the closure of Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda outlets.
The response came from Daudi Kabanda, Executive Secretary in the Office of the National Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), after Gachagua accused Ruto of being indirectly responsible for the shutdown of NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Daily Monitor, and other NMG outlets because of his close relationship with President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Kabanda dismissed the allegations, insisting Uganda’s government does not make decisions based on personal friendships between regional leaders but strictly follows its constitutional and legal framework.
“We note remarks by former Kenyan Deputy President @rigathi linking President @WilliamsRuto to the closure of NMG. While President Ruto is a close confidant of Gen. @mkainerugaba, Uganda’s decisions are guided by our constitution and laws, not by individuals,” Kabanda said.
“Gachagua should withdraw his statements against President Museveni and the CDF and focus on Kenya’s politics,” Kabanda added.
Uganda Rejects Ruto Link to Media Shutdown
Kabanda’s statement came days after Gachagua criticised the closure of Nation Media Group’s Ugandan media outlets, accusing Uganda’s military leadership of suppressing independent journalism before extending blame to President Ruto.
The former Deputy President, however, did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
Gachagua first condemned the closure, describing it as an attack on press freedom.
“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 Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” Gachagua said.
He then linked President Ruto to the development, citing the close political relationship between the Kenyan Head of State and Uganda’s leadership.
“He (Museveni) is a close confidant of William Ruto, and by association, Ruto is part and parcel of this shutdown,” Gachagua added.
Gachagua Warns of Shrinking Press Freedom
Beyond the allegations, Gachagua argued that the closure reflected a wider pattern of governments tightening their grip on independent media across East Africa.
He claimed Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania were increasingly putting pressure on critical media houses and urged journalists and press freedom organisations to remain alert.
He maintained that governments should address governance failures instead of blaming the media.
“The problem is not the media, it is fake promises, failure, lies, a failing economy, failed systems, poor service delivery, corruption, abuse of the rule of law, abductions, extra-judicial killings, and total failure of government,” he added.
Muhoozi Meets NMG Leadership
The dispute stems from an order issued by Muhoozi Kainerugaba suspending Nation Media Group Uganda operations after accusing the media house of sustained biased and inaccurate reporting against the government.
In a bid to resolve the standoff, Muhoozi met Nation Media Group owner Rostam Aziz and senior company officials at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe.
According to journalist Andrew Mwenda, government representatives presented a five-year dossier detailing what authorities described as biased reporting by the Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda.
Following the meeting, Muhoozi said he would submit a report to President Museveni before a final decision is made on whether the affected media outlets will be allowed to resume operations.
Also Read:‘Are You Mad?’ Kenyans Roast Gachagua After He Links Ruto to NTV Uganda Shutdown
Uganda Regulator Confirms Consultations
Even as political exchanges intensified, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said consultations were underway with relevant government institutions to establish the circumstances surrounding the suspension of Nation Media Group outlets.
In its latest statement, the communications regulator acknowledged the disruption affecting several television and radio stations operated by the media house.
“The Uganda Communications Commission has noted the circumstances that have led to the Nation Media Group’s outlets, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Dembe FM, and KFM, going off air,” the statement read.
The commission said it had already initiated engagements with key stakeholders to determine the facts before announcing the next course of action.
“Consultations have begun with the relevant government stakeholders to obtain verified information. The Commission urges the public to remain calm and allow these consultations to proceed,” the statement added.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates
NAB Issues Holding Statement on Nation Media Group Uganda Shutdown. PHOTO/PCS
