Nation Media Group Outlets shut down by Military, Journalists’ Association condemns move

The Independent Online Journalists Association of Uganda [INDOJA-U] has condemned the shutdown of Nation Media Group [NMG] outlets by the military, warning that the closure undermines press freedom and threatens accountability in Uganda, Whisper Eye has learnt .

In a press statement issued Sunday, 28th August 2026 at 1:40pm, INDOJA-U said it received reports of the closure of NMG platforms including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Dembe FM 90.4, KFM 93.3, Daily Monitor and related media channels.

“A free and independent press is one of the fundamental pillars of any democratic society”
INDOJA-U President Andrew Irumba Katusabe said the media serves as “an essential bridge between leaders and the people they govern,” enabling citizens to track how public institutions function and how public resources are used.

“When that bridge is weakened or collapses, the public becomes disconnected from the workings of government and loses an important channel through which accountability and transparency are maintained,” the statement reads.

The association noted that NMG outlets have “played a significant role in informing the public, promoting civic awareness and contributing to national discourse” over the years. While acknowledging that media institutions, like other sectors, can face criticism, INDOJA-U said concerns “must be addressed through lawful, transparent and constructive engagement rather than measures that restrict access to information”.

Call for dialogue and reopening
INDOJA-U is urging the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the Uganda Communications Commission [UCC], and the Chief of Defence Forces [CDF] to “urgently facilitate constructive dialogue that will lead to the reopening of NMG and the restoration of its normal operations”.

The group argues that “dialogue, not confrontation, provides the most effective path toward resolving disagreements between state institutions and media organizations”.

Human impact highlighted
Beyond the democratic implications, the association pointed to the immediate impact on staff. Hundreds of journalists, technicians, producers, support staff and other employees now face “uncertainty and hardship” as a result of the shutdown.

“Uganda’s future will be strengthened not by silencing voices, but by encouraging responsible dialogue, mutual respect and a shared commitment to national progress,” Katusabe said.

INDOJA-U said it remains “hopeful that wisdom, restraint and constructive engagement will prevail”.