President Museveni (2nd right) held discussions with the new owners of Nation Media Group
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I High-level diplomatic negotiations bore fruits as Nation Media Group (NMG) outlets in Uganda, including NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor, were allowed to resume operations following a series of engagements between the company’s leadership and Uganda’s top political and military authorities.
The breakthrough brought to an end days of uncertainty after security agencies halted the operations of the media house’s television, radio, print and digital platforms, a move that had sparked widespread concern over press freedom and access to information.
High-level discussions
The decision to allow the media organization back on air followed intensive high-level discussions involving Nation Media Group’s majority shareholder, Tanzanian businessman Rostam Azizi, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and President Yoweri Museveni.
While the government did not publicly provide a detailed official explanation for reversing the shutdown, the diplomatic engagements were widely acknowledged as the decisive factor behind the restoration of operations.
Azizi publicly expressed appreciation to President Museveni and General Muhoozi for their willingness to engage in dialogue that resulted in a positive outcome. His remarks underscored the significance of direct negotiations in resolving a dispute that had rapidly escalated into one of Uganda’s most closely watched media stand-offs.
Statement of appreciation issued
The businessman stopped short of revealing the specifics of the discussions but emphasized that constructive engagement had paved the way for the reopening of the broadcaster and newspaper.
Nation Media Group Uganda confirmed the development in a statement issued on July 28, 2026, announcing that its services would resume gradually as technical and operational arrangements were completed. The company said operations across television, print, radio and digital platforms would be restored in phases to ensure a smooth return to normal programming and publication schedules.
“Our services across television, print, radio and digital will be restored progressively as we complete the necessary operational arrangements,” the company said.
The phased restoration covers NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor, Spark TV, KFM and Dembe FM, all of which were affected by the suspension. The gradual approach is intended to allow the company to finalize logistical and technical processes before fully resuming normal operations across all its platforms.
Crash between CDF and managers
The reopening marks the conclusion of a tense period that began when security agencies suspended the operations of Nation Media Group’s Ugandan outlets. The action followed growing tensions between the media house and General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who accused the company of publishing false and malicious reports concerning him.
In the days leading to the shutdown, General Muhoozi publicly criticized Nation Media Group and demanded the arrest of NMG Uganda Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa. However, he later announced that he had withdrawn the directive following appeals from associates, signaling a possible willingness to de-escalate the confrontation.
The closure attracted widespread criticism from local and international media rights organizations, which argued that shutting down one of Uganda’s leading independent media houses undermined freedom of the press and restricted the public’s access to information. Civil society groups and press freedom advocates urged both the government and Nation Media Group to pursue dialogue as the most effective means of resolving the dispute.
Those calls for engagement now appear to have been vindicated. Rather than prolonging the impasse, both sides embraced discussions at the highest levels, creating an environment that ultimately led to the restoration of the broadcaster’s operations.
Although the precise terms of the agreement have not been made public, the outcome highlights the role that diplomatic dialogue can play in resolving conflicts involving state institutions and independent media organizations.
Royal followers appreciated
Following the announcement of the reopening, Nation Media Group thanked its audiences, advertisers, clients and business partners for their patience throughout the disruption. The company acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the suspension and expressed appreciation for the continued confidence shown in its brands during the challenging period.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding shown by our audiences, clients and partners during this period and appreciate your continued trust and confidence in our brands,” the statement said.
The company also reaffirmed its commitment to delivering trusted, balanced and professional journalism as it resumes normal operations. That commitment, the company said, remains central to its mission despite the recent disruption.
The statement announcing the resumption of services was signed by Nation Media Group PLC Chairman Joe Muganda, signaling the importance the company’s leadership attached to the development.
The restoration of NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor and the group’s other media platforms represents more than just the return of broadcasts and publications. It demonstrates the effectiveness of high-level diplomatic engagement in resolving disputes that carry significant public interest implications.
