news 29 June 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Daily Monitor Shut Down Three Times by State
The recent closure of Daily Monitor and its sister media outlets marks the third time the publication has faced state-imposed shutdowns. These closures, stemming from security crackdowns, highlight a recurring tension between the government and the independent newspaper. Source: https://observer.ug/news/bad-newspaper-three-times-the-state-shut-down-daily-monitor
Daily Monitor, along with its sister outlets like NTV Uganda and KFM, has once again been forced to halt operations due to a security crackdown. This marks the third instance of the Nation Media Group (NMG) subsidiary facing such a drastic measure, underscoring a long and often strained relationship with the Ugandan state.
Founded in 1992, the Daily Monitor has carved a reputation for its independent and investigative journalism, a stance that has frequently put it at odds with successive governments. This editorial independence has led to significant confrontations, with the state intervening to shut down operations.
The first major shutdown occurred in October 2002, when security forces raided the newspaper’s offices, confiscating equipment and temporarily halting publication. This action followed the newspaper’s report on a downed UPDF helicopter in northern Uganda, which the government disputed.
Another significant incident took place in August 2005, leading to the closure of KFM after airing a discussion about the helicopter crash that killed John Garang. Although KFM was later allowed to resume broadcasting, the pressure on NMG was evident. NTV Uganda also faced a near shutdown in early 2007, with authorities citing licensing issues, though insiders suggested it was linked to the Daily Monitor’s reporting.
The second closure happened in May 2013, when police sealed off the Monitor premises after the publication of a letter detailing an alleged assassination plot. The operation involved disabling the newspaper’s printing press and servers, with authorities claiming an investigation into forged documents.
The most recent shutdown in June 2026 saw armed personnel surrounding the headquarters, forcing NTV Uganda and Spark TV off air. This action appeared to be preempted by public statements from Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba on social media, criticizing the media group.
These shutdowns highlight a pattern of state pressure on independent media, particularly when reporting on politically sensitive matters related to the military, national security, or political succession. Despite resuming operations after previous closures, the Daily Monitor continues to navigate a challenging environment where reporting on governance and power often invites significant scrutiny and interference.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)