The Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has begun discussions with the leadership of Nation Media Group (NMG), just days after the U.S.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee called for a review of military cooperation between Washington and Uganda over the shutdown of the group’s media outlets.
On 28 June 2026, Ugandan security forces surrounded the headquarters of Nation Media Group in Kampala, leading to the suspension of operations of its media platforms, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and the Daily Monitor newspaper.
The move followed statements posted by Gen Muhoozi on the social media platform X, in which he claimed that President Yoweri Museveni had approved his plan to shut down NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor. He also stated that any information deemed harmful to Uganda’s image should first be approved by his office before publication, remarks widely interpreted as opposing full press freedom.
The decision drew strong condemnation from press freedom organizations and sparked international debate.
On 29 June 2026, U.S. Senator Jim Risch, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, urged the U.S. government to reconsider or suspend military cooperation with Uganda. He argued that the closure of major independent media outlets reflected a serious violation of freedom of expression and press freedom.
Amid growing international pressure, the New Vision newspaper reported that Gen Muhoozi held talks with Nation Media Group executives at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe.
Those present included NMG owner Rostam Aziz, his son Saam Aziz, journalist Andrew Mwenda, and acting spokesperson of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Col. Chris Magezi.
Although both sides confirmed that the meeting took place, no official details have been released regarding what was discussed or whether any decision was made to reopen NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and Daily Monitor.
Prior to the meeting, Andrew Mwenda had stated that he had spoken with Gen Muhoozi and expressed optimism that the media houses could resume operations following discussions between the Ugandan military and Nation Media Group leadership.
As of now, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and Daily Monitor remain closed, while attention remains focused on whether the ongoing talks will lead to a resolution, particularly amid continued pressure from the U.S. Senate and international press freedom organizations.
Rwandayribune.rw
