Uganda's NTV and Daily Monitor say they are under 'military siege'

Key Points:

• Uganda's leading independent media group, including the Daily Monitor, NTV, and Spark TV, has been placed under "military siege" with armed soldiers stationed outside their headquarters and broadcasts taken off air following orders from the army chief, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni.
• Gen Kainerugaba publicly stated on social media that he does not support a free press and claimed authority to shut down any media outlet, emphasizing that the press should be controlled by revolutionary cadres.
• The crackdown occurred during the early hours of Sunday without clear reasons provided, but it follows a history of government actions against critical media, including past raids and shutdowns of the Daily Monitor and NTV.
• President Museveni, who secured a seventh term in disputed elections earlier this year, is speculated to be grooming his son for succession, with supporters citing stability and economic improvements under their rule.
• The media group's shutdown coincides with ongoing tensions between the government and opposition, highlighted by Gen Kainerugaba's controversial threats against opposition figures during the recent election period.