Gov’t Confirms NMG Shutdown is a Presidentially Ordered Security Inquiry

The Ugandan government has officially addressed the abrupt shutdown of Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda, revealing that the military siege that forced the media giant’s broadcasting and print operations offline is part of an ongoing, security-led inquiry ordered directly by President Yoweri Museveni.  

In a formal statement delivered at the Uganda Media Centre, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, confirmed that the events of June 28 were not arbitrary but the result of a highly coordinated security investigation. According to the minister, the inquiry is being jointly executed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) of the Uganda Police Force, alongside other intelligence agencies and technical experts.  

The government stopped short of disclosing the specific nature of the alleged security concerns, the legal parameters of the closure, or the exact conditions under which NMG will be allowed to resume normal operations.  

Addressing the press, Minister Lumumba explained that the disruption followed the identification of a severe security issue by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

She noted that the military chief’s actions were undertaken in close consultation with President Museveni, adding that the President’s stance on the matter had already been reflected in Gen. Muhoozi’s earlier public communications.  

Lumumba defended the government’s overall record on press freedom, stating that the ruling government has consistently invested in the digital infrastructure that enables modern journalism to thrive. However, she maintained that national security concerns must supersede media operations when a distinct threat is identified.

She pointed out that similar situations involving media houses have occurred in the past and were eventually resolved through government engagement, urging the public and media advocates to allow the security agencies to complete their comprehensive work.  

ALSO READ:

• Court Martial Convicts Wakiso Taxi Driver Over UPDF Attire
• Court Martial Sentences Two State Informers to Death
• Renegade Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu Apprehended in Soroti City Over Subversive Activities
• Abraham Luzzi Slasts UEDCL After Blackout Interrupts Birthday Party
• Celebrated Comedian Kapere Passes Away

The ministerial statement ends several days of official silence from regulatory bodies, including the Uganda Communications Commission, which had previously offered no legal explanation for the media blackout. However, the lack of a published shutdown order or a definitive timeline for the conclusion of the inquiry has left many questions unanswered.  

In the meantime, NMG Uganda has quickly adapted to the physical blockade. With its Namuwongo headquarters and Serena Hotel transmission facilities still heavily guarded by military personnel, the media conglomerate has shifted entirely to remote operations. Outlets like the Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, and Spark TV are currently relying on their digital platforms, websites, and active social media channels to continue delivering news to the public.  

The Ministry of ICT stated that the government will inform the public of the investigation’s findings and announce the subsequent course of action once the security agencies formally conclude their inquiry.