KAMPALA — Kasambya County Member of Parliament Daudi Kabanda has called for the immediate closure of NBS Television, intensifying an already volatile debate on media freedom in Uganda following the recent shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets.
Kabanda’s remarks come in the wake of a controversial live broadcast on Saturday in which former Aruu County MP Odonga Otto broke down in tears while raising concerns about the reported arrest and whereabouts of former minister Miria Matembe.
The emotional interview quickly drew public attention, with sections of leaders questioning its authenticity and intent.
In a statement, Kabanda accused the station of manipulating the broadcast for political effect. “Even NBS should be closed. They stage managed Otto to cry in their studios,” he claimed, without providing evidence to support the allegation.
The legislator went further to propose sweeping restrictions on media operations across the country.
He suggested that all media houses should be limited to a single political talk show per week or even per month, depending on directives from Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
“All media houses should be limited to one political talk show per week or month depending on what my boss Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba tells me to implement. No more endless politicking. That airtime must be used to educate Ugandans on wealth creation,” Kabanda stated.
In an additional proposal that is likely to spark further debate, Kabanda said all guests appearing on political talk shows should undergo clearance from the office of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Chairman, General Muhoozi.
“All guests on all political shows must be cleared by PLU Chairman General Muhoozi’s office,” he added.
The remarks come just days after security forces enforced the shutdown of major NMG outlets, including Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda, in a move widely criticized by media rights groups and civil society organizations.
Kabanda’s position signals growing support among some political figures for tighter state control over the media, even as critics warn that such proposals could significantly undermine press freedom and democratic discourse in Uganda
The developments place the country’s media landscape at a critical juncture, with stakeholders closely watching how authorities respond to mounting calls for broader restrictions.