The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has formally written to Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba requesting a meeting to discuss the closure of Nation Media Group Uganda (NMG-U) media outlets and explore ways of resolving the impasse through dialogue.
The association said it hopes the engagement will pave the way for the reopening of NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Dembe FM, KFM, the Daily Monitor and The EastAfrican, which have been unable to operate following a military operation at the company's premises.
In a letter dated June 28, 2026, addressed to the Chief of Defence Forces, NAB said it was seeking an opportunity to engage him "at your discretion and convenience" regarding the shutdown of the broadcaster's outlets.
"The purpose of the meeting is to seek your guidance and expertise from the security angle on how best we can operate without putting our country at any security risk," NAB chairman Innocent Nahabwe wrote.
"We pray for an amicable resolution that will enable NMG to continue operations. We remain committed to working with your office to ensure that the media operates responsibly and in full compliance with national security imperatives."
NAB described itself as the umbrella body representing Uganda's radio and television broadcasters as well as digital media platforms.
It said the organisation promotes professionalism, advocates for a conducive regulatory environment and works with government and other stakeholders to strengthen the broadcasting industry.
The request follows an overnight military operation that rendered Nation Media Group Uganda's premises in Namuwongo and at the Kampala Serena International Conference Centre inaccessible.
In a statement issued on June 28, NMG-U said security personnel deployed at the facilities shortly after 1:00 a.m., preventing staff from accessing the premises while electricity was disconnected.
The company said the operation disrupted television, radio and newspaper production.
As a result, NTV Uganda and Spark TV were taken off air early Sunday morning, while Dembe FM and KFM also ceased broadcasting. Publication of the Daily Monitor newspaper was similarly disrupted.
The operation came after public statements by Gen Muhoozi indicating that the media outlets would be shut down. The Chief of Defence Forces later publicly took responsibility for the action.
Separately, NAB said it had also written to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Nation Media Group Uganda as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the closure and seek a peaceful resolution.
"We are deeply concerned about this action and its impact on the media ecosystem, and the rights enshrined under the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (as amended)," the association said in a statement.
According to NAB, public statements had suggested the affected media houses would not resume operations without clearance from the Chief of Defence Forces.
The association said it was engaging the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the Uganda Communications Commission and the Chief of Defence Forces to obtain clarification and pursue an amicable settlement.
"We assure our members and the public that we are following up on all fronts and will issue a more detailed statement once verified facts emerge," Dr Nahabwe said.
The shutdown marks the latest confrontation involving Nation Media Group Uganda and the State.
In February 2007, NTV Uganda was temporarily taken off air shortly after its launch. In May 2013, police raided the Daily Monitor, Dembe FM and Red Pepper following the publication of a letter alleging the existence of the so-called "Muhoozi Project."
Over the years, President Museveni has repeatedly criticised the Daily Monitor's editorial coverage, and the media house has at various times reported restrictions on access to official events and government functions.
NAB said it will continue engaging the relevant authorities and provide further updates as more verified information becomes available.
