The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has formally written to the Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the closure of Nation Media Group Uganda (NMG-U) operations and to explore a possible resolution through dialogue.
In the letter dated June 28, 2026, NAB said it is seeking engagement with the military leadership “at your discretion and convenience” to address the circumstances surrounding the shutdown of several media platforms, including Nation Media Group Uganda outlets such as NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Dembe FM, KFM, the Daily Monitor and The EastAfrican.
NAB chairman Innocent Nahabwe said the planned engagement seeks to obtain guidance on how media houses can operate without compromising national security concerns.
“The purpose of the meeting is to seek your guidance and expertise from the security angle on how best we can operate without putting our country at any security risk,” Nahabwe wrote.
He added that NAB remains committed to supporting responsible journalism while working within national security frameworks and legal requirements.
The association, which brings together Uganda’s radio, television and digital broadcasters, said it is also engaging the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the Uganda Communications Commission, alongside the military leadership, to clarify the circumstances surrounding the closure.
Uganda Communications Commission has also been copied in the correspondence as part of ongoing consultations aimed at restoring operations.
The request follows an overnight military operation at Nation Media Group Uganda premises in Namuwongo and at the Kampala Serena International Conference Centre, which left the facilities inaccessible. The company reported that security personnel entered the premises shortly after 1:00 a.m., restricting staff access and disconnecting electricity, leading to a halt in television, radio and newspaper production.
As a result, NTV Uganda and Spark TV went off air, while Dembe FM and KFM also ceased broadcasting. Publication of the Daily Monitor was similarly disrupted.
The operation came after public statements by the Chief of Defence Forces indicating that the media houses would be shut down, later followed by confirmation that he took responsibility for the action.
NAB said it is “deeply concerned” about the development and its implications for media freedom and constitutional rights, noting that it is seeking a peaceful and lawful resolution.
The association also warned that the shutdown has had a significant impact on Uganda’s media ecosystem and urged all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue.
This is not the first confrontation involving Nation Media Group Uganda. In previous years, its outlets have faced interruptions, including a temporary shutdown of NTV Uganda in 2007 and security raids on media houses in 2013.
Over the years, President Yoweri Museveni has also criticised sections of the group’s reporting, with tensions periodically emerging between state institutions and the media organisation.
NAB says it will continue engaging relevant authorities and will issue further updates once verified information is available regarding the fate of the affected media outlets.
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