Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has indicated that Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda’s media outlets could soon resume operations following discussions with journalist and political commentator Andrew Mwenda and what he described as consultations with Uganda’s international allies.
In a post published on his official X account on Monday, Gen. Muhoozi said discussions were underway regarding the possible reopening of NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor after the media group’s operations were halted over the weekend.
“As Comrade Andrew Mwenda said, we are having discussions with our allies in the UK and Europe about re-opening both NTV and Daily Monitor. We shall take the results of these discussions to Mzee for final approval,” Gen. Muhoozi posted.
The statement marks the first indication from the military chief that the shutdown could be reversed, although no timeline has been given for when the affected media outlets may resume broadcasting and publication.
MEDIA OPERATIONS HALTED
Uganda’s media industry was thrown into uncertainty after several Nation Media Group Uganda platforms ceased operations following public statements by Gen. Muhoozi announcing that he had ordered their closure.
The affected outlets include NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, Dembe FM, Daily Monitor and The EastAfrican, all of which are operated by Nation Media Group Uganda.
Broadcast services were interrupted while access to some company premises in Kampala was reportedly restricted by armed security personnel deployed outside the company’s headquarters in Namuwongo and at its broadcast facilities at Serena Hotel.
The developments followed a series of posts by Gen. Muhoozi on X in which he stated that he had ordered the closure of the media outlets.”I have the power in Uganda to shut down ANY media house I want to. I have had this power since 2017. This power was given to me by my great father President Kaguta Museveni. NTV and Daily Monitor are learning about it today,” he wrote in one of the posts.
In another message, he added: “Both NTV and Monitor will not re-open without my permission.”The CDF also posted several messages referring to Nation Media Group Uganda Chief Executive Officer Susan Nsibirwa, saying authorities were looking for her. As of press time, Ms. Nsibirwa had not publicly responded to the remarks.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS RESPONDS
Hours after the shutdown, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) issued a holding statement confirming that it was monitoring developments surrounding the affected media houses.
The association acknowledged that NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, Dembe FM, Daily Monitor and The EastAfrican had been affected and expressed concern over the implications of the shutdown.”We are deeply concerned about this action and its impact on the media ecosystem, and the rights enshrined under the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda,” the association said.
NAB said it had initiated engagement with the Ministry of ICT, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Chief of Defence Forces in an effort to establish the facts and pursue what it described as an amicable resolution.The broadcasters’ umbrella body said it would issue a more comprehensive statement after completing consultations with the relevant stakeholders.
SECURITY DEPLOYMENT
Throughout Sunday, armed soldiers remained deployed outside Nation Media Group Uganda’s headquarters in Namuwongo, where access to the premises was reportedly restricted.Employees arriving for work encountered tight security as military personnel controlled entry into the compound. A similar deployment was reported at the Serena Hotel broadcast centre, where NTV Uganda and Spark TV operate.
The security operation quickly became one of the country’s most discussed topics on social media, attracting reactions from journalists, lawyers, politicians and civil society organisations.Among those who publicly reacted Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara, who appeared to support the action in a post on X. “They will repent shortly, Chairman,” Balaam wrote.
“I believe they now recognize the mistakes they made and the wrongs that were committed against Mzee and yourself. With time, reflection, and guidance, they will come to appreciate the value of respect for leaders.”His comments sparked debate online, with supporters arguing that media organisations should exercise greater responsibility, while critics warned that disputes involving the press should be addressed through existing legal and regulatory institutions.
Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda also weighed in, reiterating previous calls for professionalism and accountability within the media industry.
DEBATE OVER PRESS FREEDOM
The developments have reignited debate over press freedom and constitutional governance in Uganda.Supporters of Gen. Muhoozi argued that sections of the media have repeatedly published reports they consider misleading and damaging to the country’s image, particularly in relation to tourism and national security.
Critics, however, warned that any closure of media organisations outside established legal and regulatory procedures raises significant constitutional questions concerning freedom of expression and freedom of the press.Uganda’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, media freedom and access to information, while regulation of broadcasters ordinarily falls under the mandate of the Uganda Communications Commission.
Legal analysts are expected to examine the legal basis of the shutdown and whether due process was observed.
REGIONAL ATTENTION
The developments have also drawn regional attention because Nation Media Group is East Africa’s largest independent media company, with operations in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.Media rights advocates say the outcome of the ongoing discussions could have broader implications for press freedom across the region.
Meanwhile, Gen. Muhoozi’s latest statement suggesting that discussions are underway with Andrew Mwenda and international partners has offered the first public indication that the affected media outlets could return to operation.Whether the proposed reopening receives the final approval of President Yoweri Museveni, as suggested by the CDF, remains to be seen.
For now, employees, audiences and advertisers continue to await official confirmation on when normal broadcasting and publishing services will resume, bringing an end to one of the most dramatic confrontations between the Ugandan state and a major media organisation in recent years.
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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