KAMPALA,Jun 29 –Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has said President Yoweri Museveni will make the final decision on a proposed arrangement that could pave the way for the reopening of Nation Media Group (NMG) outlets currently off air in Uganda, signaling a possible breakthrough in the ongoing dispute over the suspension of the media organization’s operations.
In a statement posted on X, Kainerugaba disclosed that discussions are underway with partners in the United Kingdom and Europe regarding the potential return of NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor. He indicated that the outcome of the negotiations would be submitted to President Museveni for final approval.
“As Mr. Andrew Mwenda stated, we are engaged in discussions with our partners in the United Kingdom and Europe regarding the reopening of NTV and the Daily Monitor,” Kainerugaba said.
“The outcome of these discussions will be presented to Mzee for his final approval,” he added, referring to President Museveni.
The remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the suspension of several Nation Media Group outlets in Uganda, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Dembe FM and KFM.
The broadcasters were taken off air following reports of a security operation allegedly linked to directives issued by Kainerugaba, prompting widespread criticism from media freedom advocates and opposition figures, who have raised concerns over press freedom and the independence of the country’s media landscape.
Earlier, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said it was seeking “verified information” regarding the circumstances surrounding the suspension of the affected media outlets.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said consultations with relevant government agencies were ongoing and appealed to the public to remain calm as the regulator established the facts surrounding the incident.
The developments have intensified debate over media freedom and the extent of state influence on independent journalism in Uganda, with observers warning that the outcome of the discussions could have significant implications for the country’s democratic and media environment.
Nation Media Group is one of East Africa’s largest independent media organizations, operating television, radio, newspaper and digital news platforms across the region.
Media rights organizations have since renewed calls for greater transparency, urging Ugandan authorities to clarify the circumstances that led to the suspension of the outlets and to disclose the conditions under discussion for their return to broadcasting.
