KAMPALA, Uganda — The shutdown of Uganda’s Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda could continue for several more months as Tanzanian businessman Rostam Aziz awaits regulatory approval to complete his acquisition of a controlling stake in Nation Media Group (NMG), according to people familiar with discussions between the company’s incoming owners and Ugandan authorities.
If confirmed, the delay would mean commitments reportedly discussed this week between Aziz and Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, cannot be implemented until ownership of the regional media company formally changes hands.
The discussions come days after security agencies suspended operations at Nation Media Group Uganda, taking Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV and several radio stations off air following orders issued by Gen. Kainerugaba. Negotiations between the government and NMG are continuing over the possible reopening of the outlets.
Aziz says acquisition remains subject to approvals
According to two people briefed on the discussions held at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe, Aziz informed Gen. Kainerugaba that although an agreement had been signed to acquire the majority shareholding in Nation Media Group, the transaction had not yet been completed.
“Please, Sir, we don’t have control of NMG yet because the acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals by authorities in Kenya and Uganda,” Aziz told the meeting, according to the sources.
The sources requested anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the private negotiations.
Neither Aziz nor Taarifa Ltd has publicly commented on the reported remarks.
Regional acquisition awaiting clearance
In March, Taarifa Ltd, an affiliate of Aziz’s Taifa Group, signed an agreement to acquire the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s (AKFED) 54.08 percent controlling stake in Nation Media Group, equivalent to approximately 92.6 million ordinary shares.
The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approvals across multiple jurisdictions where NMG operates or is listed before it can be completed.
Once completed, Aziz would become the controlling shareholder of one of East and Central Africa’s largest independent media companies, whose portfolio includes Kenya’s Daily Nation, Business Daily, The EastAfrican, Uganda’s Daily Monitor and NTV stations operating across the region.
Sources describe assurances to Ugandan government
People familiar with the talks said Aziz sought to reassure Ugandan officials that the incoming ownership intended to maintain constructive relations with the government.
“So whatever happened, we are sorry. We don’t seek to be antagonistic and adversarial but partners in Uganda’s development,” Aziz was quoted as saying during the meeting, according to the sources.
The remarks have not been independently verified by Vivid Voice News.
Reopening reportedly linked to completion of takeover
One source familiar with the negotiations said Ugandan authorities acknowledged that regulatory approvals could still take months, potentially delaying any reopening of the affected media outlets.
According to the source, government officials indicated that commitments discussed during the Entebbe meeting would only be implemented after Aziz formally assumes control of Nation Media Group.
Vivid Voice News has not independently verified whether reopening has formally been tied to completion of the transaction.
Government officials have not publicly announced any such condition.
Editorial reforms reportedly discussed
According to multiple people familiar with the discussions, several proposals were raised during the meeting regarding future editorial operations.
These reportedly included:
- Strengthening compliance with professional journalism standards
- Improving balance and objectivity in reporting
- Reviewing editorial oversight processes
- Reducing what officials described as provocative opinion content; and
- Reviewing contributors, editors and columnists whom government officials consider persistently hostile.
These proposals have not been publicly confirmed by either Nation Media Group or the Ugandan government.
Reports of management changes remain unconfirmed
Sources also said one proposal discussed during the negotiations involved the possible removal or reassignment of NMG Uganda Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa.
According to those sources, some government officials accused Nsibirwa of encouraging what they described as activist editorial approaches and criticised her social media conduct.
Nation Media Group has not announced any management changes, and neither Nsibirwa nor the company has publicly commented on the reports.
Oguttu rejects reported demands
Nation Media Group co-founder and minority shareholder Wafula Oguttu has publicly opposed suggestions that newsroom staff should be dismissed to secure the reopening of the company’s operations.
Speaking on Capital FM’s The Capital Gang, Oguttu said:
“They want us to sack some of our managers. They want us to sack some of our editors. That’s not gonna happen.”
He defended the newsroom’s editorial practices, arguing that Monitor’s reporting is grounded in documentary evidence and credible sourcing.
“Every story that the Daily Monitor does, they have a basis for it; either a primary document or someone they are quoting. They don’t create things.”
Also Read: The night Gen Muhoozi silenced Uganda’s leading media outlets
Oguttu also criticised the manner in which the shutdown was carried out.
“I’m not surprised about what is going on, although this time it was done in a manner that is not right. It is not even constitutional or legal.”
Government maintains security investigation
The Ugandan government has said the suspension of Nation Media Group Uganda’s operations stems from a security-led investigation instituted by President Yoweri Museveni involving the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the Criminal Investigations Directorate and other security agencies.
Following his meeting with NMG representatives, Gen. Kainerugaba said he would submit a report to President Museveni before any final decision is made regarding the reopening of the affected outlets.
Government statements said the meeting included Rostam Aziz, his son Saam Aziz, and Georgia Mutagaywa of Taarifa Ltd.
Nation Media Group had initially continued publishing through its digital platforms after the shutdown, but output has since reduced significantly as negotiations continue.
