Nation Media Group (Uganda) was partially reopened exactly a month after its shutdown by security personnel, amid fears among critics that it was an attempt to torpedo critical reporting in a country experiencing shrinking civic space. But sentries remained deployed at the Serena Conference Centre and Namuwongo, which host the television station and newspaper, respectively. Journalists continue to work remotely and can only publish on the digital platforms. It is not clear yet when they will resume full operations.
The shutdown on June 28, 2026, halted operations at Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM and Dembe FM, leaving thousands of viewers without access to the broadcasters’ television, radio and newspaper platforms.
The suspension was ordered by the president’s son, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who accused NMG-Uganda of “a sustained blackmail campaign by the media group against the government of Uganda and its leadership, alongside promoting opposition and foreign interests at the expense of Uganda.”
The reopening came on the heels of negotiations between the media company’s leadership, including Rostam Azizi, who recently acquired a controlling stake of 54.08 percent, and President Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to … President … Museveni for this important decision, and to General … Kainerugaba for his support throughout the engagement that led to this positive outcome,” Azizi said in a statement, which did not provide the reason why the government had a change of heart.
The Nation Media Group PLC chairman, Joe Muganda, said, “As we return to serving you, our focus remains the delivery of trusted and balanced journalism across all our platforms. We appreciate the patience and understanding shown by our clients and partners during this meeting and appreciate your continued trust and confidence in our brands.”
The shutdown had sparked widespread condemnation from local and international press freedom organisations, media associations and rights groups, who argued that the closure of an independent media house undermined freedom of expression and the public’s right to information.