The Ugandan government has strongly rejected claims by former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that President William Ruto influenced the temporary shutdown of Nation Media Group's operations in Uganda, describing the allegations as false, baseless and unsupported by any evidence.
The controversy erupted after Gachagua, while addressing supporters during a political event in Kenya, alleged that President Ruto had contacted Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and requested the suspension of Nation Media Group's Ugandan outlets, including NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor.
According to Gachagua, the alleged move was intended to punish the media house over its coverage of Kenya's anti-government protests and criticism of Ruto's administration.
However, Uganda's Minister for Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, swiftly dismissed the allegations, insisting that the Ugandan government had never received such a request from the Kenyan President.
He maintained that the decision affecting the broadcaster was made solely by Uganda's communications regulator in accordance with the country's broadcasting laws and regulations.
"The allegations are not true," Baryomunsi said, adding that no foreign leader dictates how Uganda regulates its media sector.
He emphasized that the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) operates independently within the legal framework governing broadcasters and telecommunications providers in the country.
The temporary suspension of NTV Uganda's free-to-air signal and the interruption of services involving the Daily Monitor followed a directive issued by the Uganda Communications Commission.
The regulator cited compliance issues related to broadcasting requirements, although the decision sparked widespread debate among journalists, media rights organizations and opposition figures, who questioned both the timing and the justification for the action.
Nation Media Group, East Africa's largest independent media company, acknowledged the disruption of its Ugandan operations and said it was engaging with the relevant authorities to resolve the matter.
The company expressed confidence that the issues would be addressed through dialogue while reaffirming its commitment to professional journalism and compliance with local laws.
Media freedom advocates have expressed concern over the temporary shutdown, arguing that restrictions on independent media outlets can undermine public access to information and weaken democratic accountability.
Several regional and international organizations called on Ugandan authorities to ensure that any regulatory measures are transparent, proportionate and consistent with constitutional guarantees of press freedom.
Gachagua's remarks added a diplomatic dimension to the controversy by suggesting that Kenya's leadership had sought to influence media operations in a neighboring country.
Political analysts noted that if such allegations were true, they would represent an unusual level of cross-border political interference.
However, Uganda's categorical denial has shifted attention back to the regulatory reasons cited by the communications authority.
Relations between Kenya and Uganda have traditionally remained cordial, with the two countries cooperating closely on trade, regional security, infrastructure development and East African Community integration.
Both governments have consistently emphasized mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and domestic affairs. Uganda's rejection of Gachagua's claims appears aimed at reinforcing that long-standing diplomatic principle.
The dispute also reflects the increasingly tense relationship between Gachagua and President Ruto following the former deputy president's removal from office.
Since leaving government, Gachagua has become one of Ruto's most outspoken critics, frequently accusing the administration of suppressing dissent, intimidating opponents and undermining independent institutions.
The government has repeatedly rejected those accusations, insisting it remains committed to democratic governance and constitutional freedoms.
Political observers believe the latest exchange is likely to fuel further debate in Kenya over media freedom, government accountability and the role of political rhetoric during a period of heightened political activity.
While Gachagua continues to question the government's commitment to press freedom, Ugandan officials have maintained that their regulatory decisions are independent and should not be linked to Kenya's internal politics.
As discussions continue, neither the Kenyan government nor President Ruto's office has publicly responded in detail to Gachagua's allegations.
Meanwhile, Uganda has reiterated that no request was made by Kenya regarding the operations of Nation Media Group and that any actions taken against broadcasters were purely matters of domestic regulation.
The episode underscores the sensitivity of media freedom issues in East Africa and the importance of separating political claims from verified facts as regional governments navigate an increasingly complex information landscape.