news 5 September 2026 Nile Post
Dr. Joel Isabirye's MIG Threatens Lawsuit Against Media Owners Association Over Survey Report
Market Intelligence Group (MIG) has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Uganda Media Owners Association (UMOA) to retract statements and apologize for publicly dismissing MIG's 2026 Uganda National Media Survey, alleging defamation and business disparagement. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/369131/dr-joel-isabiryes-mig-to-sue-media-owners-association-over-attack-on-latest-survey-report
Market Intelligence Group (MIG), led by Dr. Joel Isabirye, is prepared to take legal action against the Uganda Media Owners Association (UMOA). MIG’s lawyers have sent a formal notice demanding that UMOA retract its September 3rd statement, which publicly dismissed MIG’s 2026 Uganda National Media Survey. The association had claimed the report contained “misrepresentations and inaccurate information” and urged stakeholders to disregard its findings.
MIG argues that UMOA’s statement went beyond professional critique, employing language like “purported research findings” and “so-called research reports” that unfairly damage the firm’s professional and commercial reputation. The legal notice asserts that UMOA’s actions constitute defamation, business disparagement, and potentially anti-competitive conduct under Ugandan law.
The dispute centers on MIG’s comprehensive survey, which covered 146 districts and involved 26,733 respondents. The report highlighted NBS Television as the leading station, with several of its programs and personalities ranking highly. MIG defends its methodology, emphasizing face-to-face interviews and a wider geographical scope compared to other research firms, which they claim allows for more accurate verification of respondent demographics and locations.
Dr. Isabirye stated that UMOA did not engage with MIG prior to releasing their critical statement, despite MIG having previously invited the association to report launches and even shared their questionnaire beforehand. MIG views UMOA’s public rejection and alleged favoritism towards other research organizations as a direct attack on their credibility and business. The firm is demanding a public apology, a retraction of the statement, and compensation for damages, warning of legal proceedings if their demands are not met within ten days.