State Sets Editorial Overhaul as Condition for Reopening Monitor, NTV

A closed-door meeting between senior military officials and executives from Nation Media Group (NMG) has reportedly laid out specific terms for the potential return of NMG’s Ugandan media outlets to operation. The core demand centers on a significant overhaul of the editorial department, with an emphasis on recruiting professional editors and journalists.

These conditions were reportedly discussed at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe. Attendees included Commander of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and NMG’s leadership, notably investor Rostam Aziz and his son Saam Aziz. The meeting suggests a possible early return for the media platforms.

Veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, who was present at the talks, stated that the resumption of operations hinges on NMG committing to “balanced journalism.” He elaborated that the government’s requirement is for NMG to “hire professional editors and recruit professional journalists who will adhere strictly to a mandate of objective reporting.”

According to Mwenda, authorities presented NMG executives with an intelligence report detailing five years of content from NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor, and KFM. This report, he claimed, showed “97% of NMG’s top cover stories were negative toward the government” and demonstrated “persistent political bias,” with stories often featuring “heavy exaggeration” of state infractions.

Conversely, Mwenda noted, stories concerning the political opposition were perceived as “strictly sympathetic,” raising concerns within the meeting about potential infiltration of the media house. The shutdown was reportedly an immediate response to the controversy surrounding the detention of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, but reflects a longer period of state-media tension.

Minister of Information Justine Kasule Lumumba confirmed that President Museveni sanctioned the deployment of armed personnel that led to the shutdown. With NMG leadership reportedly receptive to the concerns raised, Gen. Muhoozi is expected to submit a formal report on the agreed terms to the President. If NMG implements the necessary editorial changes, operations could resume in the near future.

Source: Nile Post