WASHINGTON / KAMPALA — U.S. Senator Jim Risch, the Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has called for a reassessment of the United States‘ security partnership with Uganda following controversial developments involving Uganda’s military leadership.
The call comes after reports that Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba issued directives affecting major media houses, including Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda, on June 28, 2026.
Muhoozi Remarks Spark International Attention
According to statements attributed to Gen. Muhoozi, he rejected the principle of a free press and asserted that he had the authority to shut down media outlets and determine when they could resume operations.
The reported remarks quickly drew criticism from media freedom advocates and international observers, who raised concerns about press freedom and the role of military authorities in regulating civilian media.
Senator Risch Warns Of Possible Policy Review
Senator Risch said the developments could force Washington to reconsider the scope and future of U.S.–Uganda security cooperation.
As chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Risch oversees U.S. foreign policy matters in the Senate, and his comments have added international weight to the growing debate surrounding the incident.
The U.S. needs to review its security relationship with Uganda. Gen. @mkainerugaba‘s attacks on free speech, including shuttering major media houses this weekend, make him & the UPDF unfit partners. We should only work with those who advance regional security, not diminish it. https://t.co/y2w6c1bdmV
— Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman (@SenateForeign) June 29, 2026
