Full Breakdown
Uganda’s Military Chief Orders Shutdown of Nation Media Group Outlets
6/30/2026, 10:29:20 PM
The Shutdown
On 28 June 2026 Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered soldiers to seal Nation Media Group’s (NMG) Ugandan premises, halting the Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, 93.3 KFM, 90.4 Dembe FM, The East African, Ennyanda and the Nation Courier.
Background & Key Actors
Kainerugaba, son of Yoweri Museveni, says he can close houses. The shutdown follows bans on NTV Uganda (2007) and Daily Monitor (2013). Involved: Susan Nsibirwa, ICT minister Justine Lumumba, PLU leader Andrew Mwenda, Rostam Aziz.
Timeline
27–28 June: Kainerugaba announced shutdown on X; troops sealed NMG sites, outlets off-air by 05:00 a.m. 29 June–1 July: Amnesty and CPJ condemned, UCC consulted, Nsibirwa said talks continue, Senator Risch urged U.S. review.
Data & Statistics
Six outlets were shut down. NMG employs more than 500 Ugandan staff. Kainerugaba claimed the closures cost the group US $5 million daily.
Why It Matters
The blackout curtails coverage before the 2026 elections, threatens ad revenue, and raises investor concerns for Kenya-listed NMG. Uganda ranks near bottom of press-freedom indices.
Official Statements & Responses
ICT minister Lumumba said the closure stems from a security-led inquiry ordered by Museveni. Nsibirwa told Reuters talks with the military are underway. UCC director Nyombi Thembo said the regulator is consulting stakeholders for verified information. Senator Jim Risch urged a U.S. review of its security ties with Uganda.
Criticism & Opposition
Amnesty’s East and Southern Africa director Tigere Chagutah called the campaign “unchecked and unjust.” CPJ’s Africa director Angela Quintal called the raid “deepening authoritarianism” and urged Museveni to hold his son accountable. Opposition leader Bobi Wine said Kainerugaba is silencing “Uganda’s remaining independent voices.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Soldiers patrolled the Daily Monitor’s Namuwongo compound and Serena centre, barring staff. Viewers saw “Video unavailable” screens on NTV Uganda and Spark TV.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether NTV Uganda aired for a few hours after the raid. No UCC directive was released, and the UPDF and police have not commented on legal basis.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In Uganda, I DO NOT believe in a free press! The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution.” — Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, X post.
- “The president's son continues his unchecked and unjust campaign of harassment and intimidation of independent media and civil society,” — Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International.
- “I have the power in Uganda to shut down ANY media house I want to.” — Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, X post.
- “lawmaker to urge Washington to review its security relationship with Uganda.” — Jim Risch, X post.
What’s Next
Negotiations continue between NMG, the military and PLU, with Kainerugaba indicating final approval will rest with President Museveni after consultations with UK and European allies. Press-freedom groups are monitoring the talks and urging an immediate restoration of broadcasts.
