The Chairman of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jim Risch, has called for a review of Washington’s security relationship with Uganda following the closure of two major media houses by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

In a post on X on June 29, 2026, Risch criticised Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, over what he described as attacks on press freedom.

“The U.S. needs to review its security relationship with Uganda,” Risch wrote.

“Gen. @mkainerugaba’s attacks on free speech, including shuttering major media houses this weekend, make him & the UPDF unfit partners. We should only work with those who advance regional security, not diminish it.”

Media houses shut down

Risch’s remarks came a day after security officers shut down NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor.

Armed security personnel entered Nation Media Group Uganda’s premises in Namuwongo, Kampala, and the Kampala Serena International Conference Centre, where NTV Uganda was broadcasting election coverage.

Broadcasts by NTV Uganda and Spark TV were interrupted, while publication of the Daily Monitor was halted.

Earlier, General Muhoozi had announced on his X account that the outlets would be closed. “NTV and Monitor are being shut down from today,” he posted. He had also stated that the media houses required presidential clearance to operate and later said he “does not believe in a free press.”

Nation Media Group Uganda said it would continue serving its audiences through digital platforms while access to its offices remained restricted.

Reactions to the closure

The shutdown attracted reactions from political leaders and media stakeholders in Uganda.

Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, accused the military of acting with the approval of President Yoweri Museveni.

“This is the harsh reality we now face a country under open military rule, where fear replaces law and force replaces accountability,” he said.

Journalist Andrew Mwenda later said he had held discussions with Gen. Muhoozi and leaders of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) on reopening the affected media outlets.

Muhoozi confirmed that consultations were ongoing with colleagues in the United Kingdom and Europe before recommendations would be presented to President Museveni for consideration.

US-Uganda security ties

Uganda has for years been one of the United States’ security partners in East Africa, with the UPDF taking part in regional peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations, including missions in Somalia.

Senator Risch’s statement is the latest reaction from Washington following the closure of the media houses.

The developments have drawn international attention as authorities in Uganda continue consultations on the possible reopening of the affected outlets.

The Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM and Dembe FM are among the media platforms operated by Nation Media Group in Uganda.