By Patricia Nakayima

Uganda’s media landscape has been shaken after Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda’s broadcast outlets, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Daily Monitor and KFM, were forced off air.

This has triggered fresh concerns over press freedom and the state of independent journalism in the country.

The shutdown reportedly followed an order attributed to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also President Yoweri Museveni’s son.

Through an X post, Gen. Muhoozi directed that the stations be taken off air, arguing that he “doesn’t believe in press freedom. The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution”.

Army chief Muhoozi and his father, also President Yoweri Museveni have accused NMG of airing stories against the establishment.  He announces that “all bad stories about Uganda must be cleared by his office”.

NMG’s closure has immediately raised questions about the use of state power against media organisations and the extent to which journalists can operate without intimidation or interference.

Gen. Muhoozi, who frequently posts on his X (formerly Twitter) account, has also stated that the stations would not resume broadcasting without his permission.

As of Sunday morning, armed personnel had been deployed at NMG Uganda’s premises in Kampala, restricting staff movement into the organisation.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), an umbrella body for all Radios, newspapers and televisions in Uganda, has condemned the shutdown, saying the action undermines the role of broadcasters in informing the public and holding those in power accountable, particularly at a time when citizens rely heavily on independent media for credible news and analysis.

Journalists, civil society organisations, and human rights groups have also warned that the move could further weaken independent journalism in Uganda by creating a chilling effect across the media sector. They say it risks encouraging self-censorship, discouraging critical reporting, and eroding public confidence in the country’s commitment to democratic freedoms.

At the time of publication, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) had not issued an official statement explaining the shutdown of Nation Media Group Uganda’s broadcast outlets or clarifying the legal basis for the action.

The latest shutdown follows a series of previous confrontations between the broadcaster and state authorities. In recent months, NTV Uganda has at various times been barred from covering parliamentary proceedings and presidential events.

The latest action is therefore being viewed by many observers as part of a broader pattern of escalating pressure on the media.