The ongoing military blockade of Nation Media Group Uganda (NMGU) is part of a “security-led inquiry” instituted by President Yoweri Museveni, Minister for ICT and National Guidance Justine Lumumba Kasule revealed on Tuesday.
According to a statement released by Minister Lumumba on 30th June, the multi-agency probe involves the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and other security experts.
“The events of 28th June 2026 that led to the disruption of operations at Nation Media Group were occasioned by a Security-Led Inquiry… Government will inform the public once the inquiry has been concluded,” Lumumba stated.
The government’s justification comes as armed, masked military personnel maintain a strict physical blockade on NMGU premises for a third consecutive day, crippling the country’s largest independent media house.
The siege began at 1:00 AM on Sunday, 28th June, when security forces raided and barricaded NMGU’s main headquarters in Namuwongo and its broadcasting centres at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The ongoing operation has forced major national outlets including the Daily Monitor newspaper, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, and Dembe FM completely out of print circulation and off the air.
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed the shutdown was executed with President Museveni’s approval. Gen. Muhoozi noted he is currently locked in talks with veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, leader of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), to negotiate a potential reopening.
Despite the physical infrastructure being under military occupation and staff being denied access, NMGU management stated that the company is adapting. To circumvent the broadcast and print blackout, the media house is actively distributing breaking news, updates, and digital broadcasts through its various online channels.
The move to digital platforms allows NMGU to continue reaching its audience, though the shutdown of its traditional outlets represents a significant blow to independent journalism in Uganda.
The latest blockade is not the first time NMG Uganda operations have been targeted by state agents. In May 2013, police raided the Daily Monitor and Dembe FM over the publication of a letter allegedly linking senior government officials to a succession plan dubbed the “Muhoozi Project.” In February 2007, barely two months after NTV Uganda launched, the broadcaster was forced off air by the government.
Over the years, President Museveni has repeatedly criticised the Daily Monitor, at one point referring to it as an “enemy and evil newspaper” over its critical journalism.
The government has not provided a timeline for the inquiry or indicated when the blockade might be lifted. Gen. Muhoozi’s negotiations with Andrew Mwenda suggest a possible path to resolution, but no agreement has been announced.
For the hundreds of NMG employees affected, the shutdown represents an immediate threat to their livelihoods. For the public, it represents a significant reduction in access to independent news and information.
