Daily Monitor’s ‘Goodbye rule of law’ headline unacceptable, says Baryomunsi
A combination of photos shows the Daily Monitor's cover pages between May 18-May 21, 2025. PHOTO/COMBO
What you need to know:
- Uganda’s media landscape darkens as Daily Monitor clashes with government over critical headlines.
Uganda’s leading independent daily, Daily Monitor, is facing a fresh wave of attack from government officials after publishing a series of hard-hitting headlines seen as critical of the ruling party, raising renewed concerns over press freedom in the East African nation.
The backlash escalated Wednesday when Daily Monitor splashed the front page with the words, “Goodbye rule of law, till we meet again,” reporting on a controversial new law that critics say grants the military sweeping powers over civilian life.
President Museveni’s government swiftly condemned the publication.
“Today’s headline by the Monitor newspaper is unacceptable,” said Minister of ICT and National Guidance Chris Baryomunsi.
He added, “Despite my counsel to their top management regarding yesterday’s offensive headline, the paper continues to act with impunity.”
On X, Baryomunsi insisted that the media “ought to be objective” and must “observe minimum broadcasting standards,” echoing previous statements from Museveni, who has branded the paper “an evil publication.”
Wednesday’s headline followed a Tuesday front page saying, “NRM hands the rope to its MPs,” referring to the ruling party’s overwhelming support for a contentious bill critics argue could be used to silence dissent and consolidate executive power. The NRM is led by President Museveni.
Observers say the government’s public criticism forms part of a broader campaign to intimidate critical media.
“They always try to intimidate everyone, including the media but all of you should not fear,” opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) said earlier on in Kampala on Wednesday.
Uganda ranks 143rd out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Index, slipping several places from the previous year.
“Journalists in the country face intimidation and violence on a nearly daily basis,” the watchdog reported early May.
“With Uganda set to hold a presidential election in 2026, it is vital that journalists are able to work in complete safety,” RSF empahsized.
Operating under the tagline “Truth Every Day,” Daily Monitor has long walked a tightrope in a country where journalists face both legal and extrajudicial risks.
Its journalism, often critical of corruption, security forces, and human rights abuses, has earned it international recognition, alongside brutal scrutiny, closures, and intimidation at home.
By Wednesday night, Monitor had yet to issue an official response to Minister Baryomunsi’s statement.
Analysts, media experts and opposition politicians caution that the government’s public rebuke could signal tighter restrictions on the media ahead of the 2026 general elections.
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