The United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch has called for a review of Washington’s security relationship with Uganda following the weekend shutdown of major media outlets linked to the Nation Media Group.
In a statement, Risch criticized the actions of Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, accusing him of undermining democratic principles.
“The U.S. needs to review its security relationship with Uganda. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba's attacks on free speech, including shuttering major media houses this weekend, make him and the UPDF unfit partners,” Risch said.
Over the weekend, security forces reportedly sealed off NMG premises in Kampala, forcing television stations including NTV Uganda and Spark TV off air, while halting operations at the Daily Monitor newspaper.
The closures followed a series of public directives issued by Muhoozi on social media, ordering the immediate suspension of the outlets.
Risch’s remarks place fresh international scrutiny on the Uganda People's Defence Force, which has faced criticism from rights groups over its role in domestic political matters.
The senator warned that continued cooperation between the U.S. and Uganda should be conditional. “We should only work with those who advance regional security, not diminish it,” he added.
The United States has long maintained military and counterterrorism cooperation with Uganda, particularly in regional operations such as those targeting extremist groups in East and Central Africa.
Within Uganda, the shutdown has sparked debate over press freedom and the role of the military in civilian affairs.
Media stakeholders and opposition figures have condemned the move, describing it as a direct attack on independent journalism.