Susan Nsibirwa, the Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda Managing Director
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I A month-long absence from the media scene is long and devastating for one of the leading media houses in Uganda, but Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda says the interruption has only strengthened its resolve to uphold independent journalism, pursue the truth and hold those in power accountable.
Following the lifting of its month-long military-enforced shutdown on July 28, the media company assured readers, viewers and listeners that its editorial mission remains unchanged despite the events that forced its television, radio, print and digital platforms off air for an entire month.
In an editorial published on Friday, July 31, NMG said its return marks not only the restoration of operations but also a renewed commitment to accuracy, fairness, professionalism and courageous journalism.
Renewal of commitment
“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 editorial stated.
The company emphasized that the recent shutdown had reinforced, rather than weakened, its belief in the importance of an independent press in promoting accountability, transparency and informed public discourse.
“If anything, the recent closure has reinforced the indispensable role of independent journalism in a society that values accountability, transparency and informed public discourse,” the company noted.
NMG said its absence had been deeply felt by audiences who depend on its news platforms to make informed decisions and follow developments affecting the country.
“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,” the editorial added.
Shutdown a reminder
The company further observed that the shutdown had served as a reminder that journalism ultimately exists to serve the public.
For more than three decades, NMG said its newsrooms have documented Uganda’s successes and challenges, scrutinized public institutions, promoted accountability and amplified the voices of ordinary citizens.
The company pledged that these principles would continue guiding its editorial decisions as operations gradually resume across its various platforms.
The shutdown began on the night of June 28 when soldiers were deployed at Nation Media Group’s headquarters in Kampala, preventing employees from accessing their workplaces. Television and radio transmissions were halted while the Daily Monitor newspaper, digital platforms and other operations were suspended.
The closure affected Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, Dembe FM and related digital services.
CDF angle
Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who ordered the closure, declared at the time that the media outlets would remain closed until he authorized their reopening. He also publicly stated that he did not believe in a free press and argued that the media should instead be guided by what he described as “cadres of the revolution.”
In subsequent meetings with the company’s management and shareholders, Gen. Muhoozi accused NMG outlets of biased reporting, activism and hostility towards the government. He reportedly presented a five-year dossier outlining stories he considered inaccurate or malicious, while insisting that the company adopt journalism that is more patriotic, objective and balanced.
The government later explained that the disruption arose from a security investigation ordered by President Yoweri Museveni. During the closure, NMG management engaged in discussions with both military and government officials while hundreds of employees remained locked out of the company’s premises.
On July 28, the company announced that President Museveni had approved a plan allowing operations to resume gradually as technical and operational preparations were completed.
In Friday’s editorial, NMG outlined the phased restoration of its services.
The company said its remotely produced electronic newspaper and online news platforms would return first, allowing audiences to once again access trusted news and analysis.
NTV Uganda will initially resume broadcasting through digital platforms with its popular Akawungeezi bulletin at 7 p.m. followed by the main news bulletin at 9 p.m., before conventional television transmission is fully restored.
Phased return
KFM, Dembe FM and the company’s other broadcast services will also return in stages as technical work is finalized.
Beyond announcing the reopening, NMG paid tribute to its journalists, editors, producers, camera operators, technical teams and other employees who remained committed throughout the difficult period.
The media house also expressed appreciation to its audiences, business partners, clients, government officials and supporters in Uganda and abroad who stood by the company during the unprecedented shutdown.
As it gradually resumes full operations, NMG says the experience has strengthened its conviction that independent journalism remains essential to Uganda’s democracy. The company insists it will continue providing verified information, giving voice to diverse perspectives and holding those in positions of authority accountable while maintaining the professional standards that have defined its journalism for more than 30 years.
