news 28 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor Remain Under Military Siege Amidst Reopening Talks
NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor, part of Nation Media Group (NMG), are currently inaccessible following a military operation that disrupted their broadcast and print operations. Discussions between Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Andrew Mwenda signal potential reopening talks. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ntv-uganda-daily-monitor-remain-under-military-siege-as-gen-muhoozi-mwenda-signal-talks-on-reopening-5511760
Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda’s operations, including NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor, were significantly disrupted on Sunday after a military intervention forced major broadcast channels off air and restricted access to their offices. The siege began early Saturday morning, with armed personnel deploying at NMG’s headquarters in Namuwongo and broadcast centers. NMG confirmed that military action rendered their physical premises inaccessible, citing the disconnection of electricity and disruption of normal operations across their television, radio, and newspaper platforms.
Despite the shutdown, NMG pledged to continue engaging its audience through digital channels. The military action followed pronouncements by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba on social media, indicating shutdowns of NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor, escalating previous threats made against the media house.
Later on Sunday, veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, a close ally of Gen. Muhoozi, announced that an agreement had been reached with the military chief to reopen both Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda. Mwenda stated that discussions with NMG management would precede the reopening, with Gen. Muhoozi adding that consultations with international allies were also underway before a final decision is presented for approval.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) acknowledged the outlets going off air and stated it was consulting with government agencies. Regional media bodies, including the East African Press Councils (EAPC) and the East Africa Journalists Federation (EAJF), condemned the developments, calling for de-escalation and expressing solidarity with Ugandan journalists. This incident marks a continuation of past tensions between Ugandan authorities and NMG, which has faced similar pressures due to its critical editorial coverage.