Story perspectives

Uganda Defence Chief Orders Nation Media Shutdown, $5 M Loss

6/30/2026

Summary

Kainerugaba Shuts Media

On June 28, 2026, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered Nation Media Group’s outlets shut down.
Armed security sealed NMG’s Namuwongo headquarters and the Serena Hotel, forcing NTV Uganda and Spark TV off-air by 5 a.m.
The raid closed six NMG platforms—including Daily Monitor, KFM and Dembe FM—causing a $5 million loss.
Kainerugaba posted on X rejecting press and warning no reopening without his permission, while no explanation was given.

Summary

Press Condemns Shutdown

East African Press Councils condemned Nation Media Group’s Ugandan shutdown as a human-rights breach.
East Africa Journalists Federation denounced the raid, urged General Muhoozi to stop attacks and warned it erodes trust.
Investors on the Nairobi Securities Exchange warned the closure threatens advertising revenue, circulation income and the group’s valuation.
The incident follows earlier state pressures, including the 2013 Daily Monitor raid and the 2007 NTV Uganda suspension.

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Kainerugaba Shuts Media

On June 28, 2026, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered Nation Media Group’s outlets shut down.
Armed security sealed NMG’s Namuwongo headquarters and the Serena Hotel, forcing NTV Uganda and Spark TV off-air by 5 a.m.
The raid closed six NMG platforms—including Daily Monitor, KFM and Dembe FM—causing a $5 million loss.
Kainerugaba posted on X rejecting press and warning no reopening without his permission, while no explanation was given.

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