news 30 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Military Blockade on Nation Media Group Enters Third Day
Nation Media Group Uganda's operations, including the Daily Monitor newspaper and NTV, remain under military siege for a third consecutive day, prompting concerns over press freedom. Talks are reportedly underway for a potential reopening. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/military-siege-on-uganda-s-nation-media-group-enters-third-day-5513580
Military personnel have maintained a tight blockade around Nation Media Group Uganda (NMGU) premises for three days, effectively silencing one of the country’s largest independent media organizations. The operation began early Sunday morning, with forces raiding and sealing NMGU’s headquarters and broadcasting centers.
This action has halted the print circulation of the Daily Monitor newspaper and taken NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, and Dembe FM off the air. The shutdown has drawn significant concern both locally and internationally regarding the state of media freedoms in Uganda.
Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has confirmed that the closure was authorized by President Yoweri Museveni. General Kainerugaba is reportedly engaged in negotiations with Andrew Mwenda, a prominent journalist and leader of the pro-government Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), to resolve the situation and potentially reopen the media house.
Despite the physical occupation, NMGU management has indicated that the company is utilizing its online platforms to continue disseminating news and updates to the public. This move aims to bypass the government-imposed blackout on traditional media channels.
The situation highlights a recurring pattern of government crackdowns on independent journalism in Uganda, particularly during sensitive political periods. The continued military presence at NMGU’s facilities underscores the challenging environment for press freedom under President Museveni’s administration.