KAMPALA, Uganda — Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda has vowed to continue pursuing independent journalism and holding those in authority accountable as it resumes operations following a month-long shutdown that sparked widespread concern over media freedom in Uganda.
In a strongly worded editorial published on Friday, July 31, the company said the forced closure had not altered its editorial mission but had instead reinforced its commitment to truth, accountability and public-interest journalism.
“If anything, the events of the past month have reinforced the indispensable role of independent journalism in a society that values accountability, transparency and informed public discourse.”
The company said its return marked more than the reopening of television, radio, newspaper and digital platforms—it represented a renewed commitment to serving Ugandans through factual, verified and balanced reporting.
NMG said it had been absent from Uganda’s media landscape from the night of June 28 until July 28, leaving audiences without access to some of the country’s most influential news platforms.
“Today, we return. We do so with gratitude for the patience, loyalty and unwavering support shown by our readers, viewers, listeners, partners, government officials and the wider public throughout this difficult period.”
According to the company, the shutdown underscored the importance of journalism in informing citizens, scrutinising public institutions and giving voice to communities across the country.
“Our return comes with a renewal of a commitment that has always defined the Nation Media Group, which is to pursue the truth, to provide verified information in an era of misinformation, and to create spaces for diverse voices within the framework of responsible journalism.”
The company said its newsrooms have documented Uganda’s political, economic and social development for more than three decades while examining public institutions, promoting accountability and amplifying the voices of ordinary citizens.
It pledged to continue operating under the principles of accuracy, fairness, courage and professionalism, describing the recent closure as a reminder that journalism ultimately exists to serve people.
NMG’s Uganda operations—including Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, Dembe FM and associated digital platforms—were shut down on June 28 after soldiers deployed at the company’s Kampala headquarters and restricted access to its premises.
The closure followed an order by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who publicly stated at the time that the media outlets would not resume broadcasting without his approval.
He also questioned the principle of press freedom, arguing that the media should instead be guided by what he described as “cadres of the revolution.”
In subsequent meetings with the company’s leadership, Gen. Muhoozi accused NMG outlets of biased reporting, activism and hostility towards government, presenting what his office described as a five-year dossier documenting alleged inaccuracies and unfair reporting.
While insisting he had no objection to the company operating in Uganda, he reportedly called for journalism that was “more patriotic, objective and balanced.”
The Ugandan government later said the shutdown resulted from a security investigation ordered by President Yoweri Museveni.
NMG subsequently entered negotiations with government and military officials while hundreds of employees remained unable to access their workplaces.
The company announced on July 28 that operations would gradually resume after President Museveni approved a reopening framework.
NMG said its return would take place in stages as technical and operational systems are restored.
The company said its digital platforms and remotely produced electronic newspaper would resume first.
NTV Uganda initially returned through digital platforms with the Akawungeezi bulletin at 7 p.m. and a 9 p.m. news bulletin, while conventional television broadcasting will resume progressively.
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KFM, Dembe FM and the company’s remaining platforms are also expected to return as technical work is completed.
NMG paid tribute to its journalists, editors, producers, camera operators, engineers and support staff for maintaining professionalism throughout the closure.
The company also thanked Ugandans and international organisations that publicly defended media freedom during the shutdown.
As its platforms gradually return, NMG said the experience has strengthened—not weakened—its resolve to continue producing independent journalism in the public interest.
“The events of the past month have strengthened our belief in the indispensable role of independent journalism in a society that values accountability, transparency and informed public debate.”
