David Kabanda, the newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Chairman’s Office under Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has criticized U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch, accusing him of interfering in Uganda’s internal affairs.
Kabanda’s remarks come after Senator Risch reportedly questioned Uganda’s commitment to press freedom and suggested Washington should reassess its security partnership with Uganda.
Kabanda Defends Uganda’s Sovereignty
Responding to the senator’s comments, Kabanda dismissed the concerns and argued that Uganda’s domestic affairs should not be subject to foreign influence.
He also questioned U.S. foreign policy decisions, citing conflicts in Iran, actions involving Venezuela, and what he described as oil-related interests, insisting that Uganda’s internal matters are “none of America’s business.”
Defends UPDF’s Regional Role
Kabanda also defended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for its regional peacekeeping missions, particularly in Somalia.
He said Uganda’s contribution to regional security deserves recognition and urged critics to acknowledge the sacrifices made by Ugandan troops.
According to Kabanda, those who do not appreciate the UPDF’s efforts should “at least remain silent.”
Media Shutdown Sparks International Concern
The exchange follows widespread attention over reports that Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced the shutdown of Nation Media Group (NMG) outlets, including Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda.
In social media posts attributed to Muhoozi, he stated that the affected media houses would not resume operations without his approval and declared that he did not believe in a free press.
Reports also indicated that armed security personnel were deployed outside Nation Media Group offices in Namuwongo and Serena Hotel in Kampala, while broadcasts by NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and other NMG platforms were reportedly disrupted.
Muhoozi further claimed he had possessed the authority to close media houses since 2017 after allegedly being granted such powers by President Yoweri Museveni.
At the time of publication, neither the UPDF nor the Uganda Police Force had issued a detailed statement regarding the reported shutdown.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said it was engaging relevant stakeholders to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
