The statement comes after security forces surrounded Nation Media Group’s headquarters in Namuwongo, Kampala, early Sunday morning, effectively taking NTV Uganda and Spark TV off air.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has expressed concern over the shutdown of Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda outlets by security agencies, saying it is engaging government authorities to seek clarity and pursue an amicable resolution.
In a holding statement issued on Sunday, June 28, the broadcasters’ umbrella body said it was closely monitoring the closure of NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Ddembe FM, KFM, Daily Monitor and other Nation Media Group operations.
“NAB is deeply concerned about this action and its impact on the media ecosystem, and the rights enshrined under the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda,” the statement reads.
The association said it had taken note of public statements made on X by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, indicating that the affected media outlets would not resume operations without his permission.
NTV, Spark TV Taken Off Air After Security Siege on Nation Media Offices
According to NAB, it has formally reached out to the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), and the Chief of Defence Forces to establish the circumstances surrounding the shutdown.
“We assure our members and the public that we are following up on all fronts and will issue a more detailed statement once verified facts emerge,” the association said.
The statement comes after security forces surrounded Nation Media Group’s headquarters in Namuwongo, Kampala, early Sunday morning, effectively taking NTV Uganda and Spark TV off air.
The military deployment followed an overnight directive by Gen. Muhoozi, who announced on X at 1:04am that Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda would be shut down, saying the decision had the approval of President Yoweri Museveni.
Shortly after the announcement, security personnel reportedly restricted access to the NMG premises, preventing journalists from entering or leaving both the main offices and the Serena Hotel-based bureau.
By Sunday morning, NTV Uganda and Spark TV had gone off air, while reports indicated that NMG-owned radio stations Ddembe FM and 93.3 KFM had also been affected.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara endorsed the directive, saying the CDF’s orders should be respected.
In separate posts on X, Gen. Muhoozi also dismissed the concept of an independent press, stating that he does not believe in media freedom and that the media should instead be guided by “cadres of the revolution.”
The shutdown follows repeated warnings by the CDF that he intended to close Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda. The two outlets have frequently faced criticism from senior government officials, with President Museveni previously accusing the Daily Monitor of publishing what he described as biased reporting.
Nation Media Group journalists have also experienced security-related restrictions in recent years, including during the Kawempe North by-election, while the media house has at different times been barred from providing live coverage of state functions and parliamentary proceedings.
The latest operation has also revived memories of previous crackdowns on the media house. In 2013, security agencies raided the Daily Monitor and Ddembe FM offices following publication of a story related to the alleged “Muhoozi Project,” forcing the outlets to remain closed for nearly a week. Earlier, in 2007, NTV Uganda faced censorship only months after its launch over allegations that it had broadcast content critical of the government.
The developments have renewed concerns among journalists, civil society organisations and media rights advocates over press freedom and the operating environment for independent media in Uganda, as stakeholders await an official explanation from the relevant authorities.
