Gen. Muhoozi Meets NMG Owners Amidst Media House Shutdown Talks

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, recently convened a significant meeting with the proprietors and top leadership of Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda. This high-level consultation is part of ongoing efforts to resolve the closure of NMG’s television, radio, and newspaper entities.

The meeting took place at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe and included NMG owner Rostam Aziz and his son Saam Aziz. Also present were Georgia Mutagaywa, Chief of Staff of Taarifa Limited (NMG Uganda’s parent company), veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, and Colonel Chris Magezi of the UPDF.

The shutdown, which commenced on June 28, affected major outlets including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Dembe FM, KFM, and the Daily Monitor. This action followed General Muhoozi’s public statements accusing the media house of a sustained campaign of blackmail against the government and promoting opposition and foreign interests.

Discussions at the meeting focused on specific reports deemed biased and malicious by the government, as well as the future editorial direction of Nation Media Group. The NMG owners reportedly pledged to adopt a more patriotic, balanced, and objective journalistic approach.

General Muhoozi indicated that a formal report on the deliberations would be presented to President Yoweri Museveni for consideration before any final decision is made on reopening the premises. The shutdown has raised concerns among media organizations and press freedom advocates, with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) actively engaging government authorities to find an amicable resolution.

This incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between the Ugandan state and Nation Media Group, which has faced government restrictions in the past. The Uganda Communications Commission has confirmed it is consulting relevant agencies to gather verified information.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/353030/gen-muhoozi-meets-nmg-owners