By Andrew Irumba Katusabe [Sankara]
Mbuya Barracks: Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the First Son, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, has now set his sights on Uganda’s media landscape. After consolidating influence over key state agencies, the controversial general has issued a summons to all managing directors of media houses across the country, declaring that attendance at an upcoming “cadreship training” is non-negotiable. Failure to comply, he warns, will result in non-renewal of broadcasting and publishing licenses.
A Chronology of Muhoozi’s Tweets and Actions
The Rise of the Twitter General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has long used Twitter (X) as his preferred tool for both diplomacy and political statements. Over the years, his tweets have ranged from cryptic military warnings to direct threats against opposition figures. His online persona has often caused diplomatic tensions, as seen in 2022 when he jokingly declared that Uganda’s army could capture Nairobi in two weeks.
Targeting State Institutions In 2023 and 2024, Muhoozi’s influence within Uganda’s military and civil institutions became more apparent. Several key appointments within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and various government agencies were seen as consolidations of his grip on power. Dissenting voices within security agencies were either silenced or sidelined.
The Attack on Political Opposition In 2024, he took a direct stand against opposition leaders, using both state apparatus and social media to delegitimize their movements. His threats against figures like Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) and Dr. Kizza Besigye were accompanied by an increase in arrests and suppression of political gatherings.
Media in the Crosshairs: The latest phase in Muhoozi’s consolidation of control is Uganda’s media industry. On February 22, 2025, he tweeted: “Ugandan media has been infiltrated by enemies of progress! We will not allow our country’s press to be used against us. Every MD of a media house must report for cadreship training or risk losing their license.”
This tweet sent shockwaves across Uganda’s media sector, as it directly threatened independent journalism. In the following days, several media personalities reported receiving unofficial warnings regarding their editorial policies. Some outspoken journalists have already been subjected to harassment and arrests.
Summoning the Media Bosses: Muhoozi’s latest move is the official summons of all media house managing directors to a “cadreship training” expected to take place in March 2025. This echoes past tactics used by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to indoctrinate key influencers into the party’s ideology.
The Implications of Muhoozi’s Media Crackdown
- End of Press Freedom?: Uganda has already been ranked poorly in press freedom indexes. If media executives comply, independent journalism could suffer a devastating blow.
- Resistance or Submission?: Some media houses might resist, but the cost of defiance could be high, including loss of licenses or financial ruin.
- A Step Towards Muhoozi’s Presidential Ambitions?: This could be another calculated move to eliminate dissent ahead of the 2026 elections, in which Muhoozi is rumored to be a potential candidate.
What Next? The fate of Uganda’s media now hangs in the balance. Will media houses submit to the cadreship training, or will they stand their ground? One thing is clear—Muhoozi’s grip on the country is tightening, and the press is his next battlefield.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates…
