Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has reportedly set stringent conditions that Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda must meet before its media outlets can resume operations, according to sources familiar with ongoing discussions.
The development comes days after the military shut down NMG Uganda’s operations, affecting the company’s flagship brands including Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM and Dembe FM.
Sources who spoke to The Investigator said discussions aimed at facilitating the return of the media house to operation are underway but could stall unless NMG’s owners agree to a series of demands allegedly made by the fiery army commander.
According to the sources, one of the key demands is the removal of several editors, talk show hosts and senior political reporters whom the General reportedly considers hostile to his interests. The sources further claim that the CDF has demanded the dismissal of NMG Uganda Group Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa.Neither General Muhoozi nor NMG has publicly confirmed the existence or details of such conditions.
DIFFICULT NEGOTIATIONS
Sources close to the discussions described the reported demands as far-reaching and potentially unacceptable to the company’s management.
“The conditions are extremely difficult for NMG to accept,” one source said. “The newsroom has already experienced significant staffing challenges. Requiring the company to dismiss more senior journalists would further weaken its operations.”
The same source said the reported demand to remove Ms Nsibirwa presents an even bigger obstacle.”She enjoys considerable support among employees and is highly respected within the organisation. Convincing the owners to replace their chief executive under these circumstances would be a very difficult decision,” the source said.
As of press time, Nation Media Group had not issued any public statement responding to the reported demands.
NEW OWNERSHIP FACES EARLY TEST
The reported negotiations come only months after a major change in the ownership of NMG Uganda.Earlier this year, The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development S.A. (AKFED) sold its entire stake in Nation Media Group Uganda to Taarifa Ltd, a company owned by Tanzanian businessman Rostam Aziz.
Mr Aziz has investments spanning media, mining, telecommunications, agriculture, real estate, port infrastructure, energy and construction across the region.
Industry observers say the new ownership now faces its first major challenge, with uncertainty surrounding the future of one of Uganda’s largest media organisations.It remains unclear whether the new investors will be willing to make management changes as part of any agreement to restore the company’s operations, particularly after acquiring the business only months ago.
MIXED PUBLIC REACTION
The reported negotiations have generated intense debate on social media, with commentators raising questions about the authority behind the closure and the implications for media freedom.Former government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo questioned which institution authorised the shutdown.
“Was it PLU or Government of Uganda that took the action to close the two media houses? Or maybe let us know if the NRM that Ugandans elected on 15th January 2026 is no more, and we just settle down,” he posted on X.Political commentator Godfrey Osiel welcomed the questions, suggesting they reflected concerns shared by many Ugandans.
Journalist Zahra Namuli struck a more conciliatory tone, expressing hope that the ongoing discussions would produce a positive outcome.
“Keeping our colleagues at NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor and the entire NMG family in our thoughts. We welcome reports that discussions are underway and pray they lead to a positive outcome for everyone involved. May wisdom, dialogue and goodwill guide the way forward,” she wrote.
Political commentator Nagaba Nebert also weighed in, arguing that the developments would have lasting political implications.
“Muhoozi shut down NTV and Monitor with soldiers. Mwenda reopens them by ‘PLU agreement.’ Museveni is silent. The ‘sky’ is falling. And the ‘young children’, ordinary Ugandans, are watching. They will remember who broke it.”
As negotiations reportedly continue behind closed doors, uncertainty remains over when—or under what conditions—NMG Uganda’s television, radio and newspaper operations will be allowed to resume.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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