By Aggrey Baba
In a community of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. Yet, when the one-eyed man becomes blind himself, who is left to lead?
Uganda finds itself at a crossroads where the media, once seen as the mirror reflecting the nation’s struggles, now faces mounting pressure from those in power.
Recently, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri M7, made headlines for his warning to the media, signaling a shift in how information will be handled in the coming years. This came after Gen. Muhoozi’s usual social media activities, which some view as inflammatory, raised concerns about media freedom and national security.
Last week, a meeting organized by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) gathered media owners and managers, who were presented with a document titled Harmonising National Security Concerns and Civil Liberties in Uganda, read by State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Balaam Barugahara. The document suggested steps to prevent media from spreading content deemed detrimental to Uganda’s image and security.
However, critics argue that the very person pushing for these regulations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has himself been the subject of controversy, with threats and violent language directed at perceived opponents on his social media accounts.
The UCC, which oversees media licensing in Uganda, has hinted at strict actions to curb media practices that are seen as harmful. According to UCC Executive Director, Mr. Nyombi Thembo, a mandatory training course at the National Leadership Training Institute in Kyankwanzi will soon be required for journalists to ensure they understand their responsibilities to the country.
According to Nicolas Sengoba, government believes that media coverage, especially negative press, has contributed to its struggles in the face of rising public dissatisfaction. As Uganda heads toward the 2026 elections, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government is confronted with a range of issues.
These include rampant corruption, a failing social service sector, and widespread unemployment, especially among the youth. The media, it seems, has become an easy target for the government, as frustrations grow over the increasingly unfavorable coverage.
In the eyes of many, the media simply reports what is happening in the country, from rising corruption to the sorry state of infrastructure and social services. Yet, gov’t appears more focused on silencing negative press than addressing these deep-rooted issues.
As Nicholas Sengoba, a commentator on political and social issues, pointed out, governmentt’s efforts to regulate traditional media could backfire.
Legacy media may be forced into self-censorship, while social media, a less regulated space, continues to grow, offering an unfiltered platform for the masses to express their dissatisfaction.
Sengoba warns that if the government continues to focus on squeezing the media, it will only drive people to alternative platforms where they can speak freely, often with little regard for journalistic integrity.
He argues that the real solution lies in the government tackling the root causes of public discontent, such as corruption and impunity, rather than focusing on silencing the messengers.
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 General Election, the relationship between the media and the government will continue to evolve.
Will the media be allowed to play its role as the people’s mirror, or will it be forced into silence by those who would prefer to bury the truth? Time will tell. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
