Kampala: Nation Media Group has resumed its media operations in Uganda after nearly a month of suspension, bringing one of the country's largest independent news organisations back on air following negotiations with the Ugandan government. The company announced on Tuesday that its television, radio, newspaper and digital platforms would gradually return to normal operations after authorities allowed it to reopen.
The media company said the restoration of services would happen in phases as it completed the necessary operational arrangements. Chairman Joe Muganda thanked viewers, readers, advertisers and business partners for their patience during the shutdown and reaffirmed the company's commitment to delivering balanced, accurate and independent journalism. He said the company remained focused on serving the public with credible news and information despite the challenges it had faced over the past month.
The suspension began on June 28 after Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, ordered security forces to shut down the company's operations. Soldiers entered Nation Media Group's offices in Kampala, halted newspaper printing and stopped broadcasts on NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, Dembe FM and other media platforms owned by the group. Daily Monitor, one of Uganda's leading newspapers, was also affected by the closure.
General Muhoozi accused the media company of publishing reports that he considered hostile to the military and the government. He publicly declared that he had the authority to close any media organisation operating in Uganda if it was considered to be acting against national interests. His remarks drew widespread criticism from media rights organisations, civil society groups and opposition politicians who argued that the shutdown represented a serious threat to press freedom in the country.
Following the closure, Uganda's Communications Commission said the suspension was connected to an ongoing security investigation involving the military, police and other state security agencies. However, authorities did not publicly provide detailed evidence explaining the allegations against Nation Media Group. The lack of transparency led to growing concerns among journalists and international media watchdogs about freedom of expression and the independence of the press in Uganda.
Efforts to resolve the dispute continued throughout the month. One of the key developments came after Tanzanian businessman Rostam Aziz, whose Taifa Group recently became the largest shareholder in Nation Media Group, reportedly travelled to Uganda for discussions with senior government officials and General Muhoozi. Local media reported that the meetings were aimed at finding a solution that would allow the company to resume operations.
After the talks, General Muhoozi indicated that discussions with the company's new owners had been constructive and suggested that the final decision would be made by President Yoweri Museveni. Local reports later confirmed that the government had approved the reopening of the media group's operations after the negotiations.
The return of Nation Media Group has been welcomed by many journalists and media organisations across East Africa. The National Association of Broadcasters in Uganda had earlier called on the authorities to provide clarity regarding the suspension and urged both sides to resolve the dispute through dialogue rather than prolonged closure. International organisations including the Committee to Protect Journalists also condemned the shutdown and called on Uganda to respect media freedom and protect journalists from intimidation.
Although broadcasting and publishing have resumed, questions remain about the security investigation that led to the closure. The Uganda Communications Commission has previously indicated that investigations involving security agencies are continuing, leaving uncertainty over whether additional action could be taken in the future.
Nation Media Group is one of East Africa's largest media companies, with operations in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Its return restores access to several major news platforms that reach millions of people across Uganda through television, radio, newspapers and digital services.
The reopening marks the end of an unprecedented month long shutdown that attracted regional and international attention. While the company has resumed serving its audience, the episode has reignited debate over media freedom, government oversight and the role of independent journalism in Uganda. Observers say the events have highlighted the continuing tensions between the country's security establishment and independent media organisations, even as both sides seek to move forward after the dispute.