Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has held talks with the leadership of Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda following the closure of the company’s media outlets, including NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor.
The meeting took place at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe and brought together NMG owner Rostam Aziz, his son Saam Aziz, and Georgia Mutagaywa, Chief of Staff of Taarifa Limited, the parent company of NMG Uganda. Veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda.
The discussions come days after security forces shut down NMG Uganda’s premises. Authorities said the closure followed orders issued by Gen. Kainerugaba, who accused the media organization of publishing reporting that he said was unfair to the Ugandan government and its leadership.
According to a statement released after the meeting, officials reviewed several examples of the media group’s reporting that the government considers inaccurate or biased. The statement said NMG’s ownership committed to pursuing what it described as more balanced and objective journalism.
Reuters has not independently verified the allegations made by Ugandan authorities, and Nation Media Group has not publicly commented on the substance of the claims.
Gen. Kainerugaba said he would submit a report on the discussions to President Yoweri Museveni, who will consider the outcome before a decision is made on whether to allow the affected media outlets to resume operations.
The meeting forms part of ongoing discussions between the government and Nation Media Group aimed at resolving the dispute.
The closure of NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor has drawn attention from media observers, as press freedom remains a recurring issue in Uganda. International and local media rights organizations have previously expressed concern over restrictions on journalists and media houses, while the Ugandan government maintains that media organizations must operate responsibly and in accordance with the country’s laws.
