The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Ateenyi, has publicly appealed to Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba to reconsider his stance on shutting down NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor, signaling emerging divisions within leadership circles over the handling of the media standoff.
In a message addressed directly to Muhoozi, Balaam adopted a conciliatory tone, urging restraint amid escalating tensions between the military leadership and the Nation Media Group outlets.
“My Leader, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, I respectfully appeal to you to consider forgiving them and giving them another opportunity,” Balaam stated, positioning his remarks as both a personal and institutional appeal.
The minister emphasized the possibility of engagement rather than closure, adding: “I believe we can work with both of them, provided they strictly adhere to the laws of our country and refrain from any actions that may compromise national security.”
Muhoozi has in recent days issued strong statements indicating plans to shut down the two media houses, even claiming that President Yoweri Museveni had approved the move.
He also proposed new conditions requiring all negative reporting about Uganda to be cleared by his office, raising widespread concern about press freedom.
Balaam, who identified himself as a member of the Media Owners Association, framed his appeal within the context of dialogue and reform rather than punitive action.
“As a member of the Media Owners Association, I humbly request that you give them a chance to reform and operate responsibly,” he said, suggesting that compliance with existing legal frameworks could address government concerns without resorting to closure.
He concluded his message with a deferential appeal: “I will be glad if my humble appeal is accepted my Supreme Chairman.”
The intervention comes at a time when security presence has reportedly been heightened at Nation Media Group premises in Kampala, following Muhoozi’s earlier declarations.
The developments have drawn attention from media stakeholders and civil society, with growing calls for respect for constitutional protections and editorial independence.
NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor remain among the country’s most influential independent media platforms, and any move to shut them down would mark a significant escalation in the relationship between the state and the press.