Uganda dismisses Gachagua claim linking Ruto to NTV, Daily Monitor shutdown

Uganda has rejected claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that President William Ruto was involved in the closure of Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda outlets, including NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor.

The response came from Daudi Kabanda, the Executive Secretary of the office of the National Chairman, Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), who said Uganda's decisions are made in line with the country's laws and Constitution, not through personal relationships.

The PLU is associated with Uganda’s notorious Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and President Yoweri Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

"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 posted on X on July 2, 2026.

The Kasambya County Member of Parliament urged Gachagua to withdraw his remarks and stay out of Uganda's internal affairs.

"Gachagua should withdraw his statements against President Museveni and the CDF and focus on Kenya’s politics," he added.

Kabanda's statement followed comments by Gachagua, who condemned the closure of NTV Uganda, Spark TV and the Daily Monitor by the Uganda People's Defence Forces General Muhoozi.

"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.

The former Deputy President went further and linked President Ruto to the shutdown because of his close relationship with President Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi.

"He (Museveni) is a close confidant of William Ruto, and by association, Ruto is part and parcel of this shutdown," he claimed.

Gachagua did not provide evidence to support the allegation.

He also argued that the closure of the Ugandan media outlets reflected a wider trend of shrinking press freedom across East Africa.

Gachagua noted that governments in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are increasingly targeting independent media.

He called on journalists and press freedom organisations across the region to remain vigilant.

The closure of Nation Media Group Uganda outlets followed an order by Gen. Muhoozi, who accused the media house of sustained biased reporting against the government.

On Wednesday, Gen. Muhoozi met Nation Media Group owner Rostam Aziz and other company leaders at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe to discuss the standoff.

After the meeting, journalist Andrew Mwenda said the government presented a five-year report containing what it described as biased and inaccurate reporting by the Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda.

Gen. Muhoozi later said he would submit a report on the discussions to President Museveni before a final decision is taken on reopening the media group's premises.