The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has formally asked the Minister of ICT and National Guidance to intervene in the closure of Nation Media Group Uganda (NMG-U) media outlets, calling for urgent dialogue to secure the reopening of the broadcaster's television, radio and newspaper operations.
Security operatives on Sunday morning besieged NMG-U offices at Serena Hotel and Namuwongo, taking NTV off air and rendering Daily Monitor inoperative.
The siege also affected sister stations.
In a letter dated June 28, 2026, addressed to the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, NAB Chairman Innocent Nahabwe requested an urgent meeting to discuss the forced shutdown of NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Dembe FM, KFM, The EastAfrican and the Daily Monitor.
The association said the ministry, as the government body responsible for policy and regulatory oversight of the media sector, has a critical role in ensuring a stable and predictable operating environment for broadcasters.
"We are deeply concerned that the abrupt closure of these outlets, and the accompanying statements indicating they will not re-open without the permission of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), risk undermining not only the media industry but also Uganda's democratic fabric, investor confidence, and the tourism sector, all of which rely on a positive international perception of our nation's openness and stability," Nahabwe wrote.
NAB said it believes any concerns regarding media content or professional conduct should be addressed through consultation, due process and the legal mechanisms established under Ugandan law.
"We respectfully request a meeting with you at your discretion and earliest convenience to discuss this matter and explore avenues for an amicable resolution through dialogue. We believe that any concerns regarding content or conduct can be addressed through consultation, due process, and in accordance with the laws of Uganda," the letter states.
The association reiterated its commitment to working with the ministry to promote a responsible, lawful and vibrant media environment.
The appeal is the latest in a series of engagements initiated by NAB following the closure of Nation Media Group Uganda's operations after an overnight military deployment at its premises in Namuwongo and the Kampala Serena International Conference Centre.
According to a statement issued by NMG-U on June 28, security personnel deployed shortly after 1:00 a.m., preventing staff from accessing the premises while electricity was disconnected.
The operation disrupted television, radio and newspaper production, forcing NTV Uganda and Spark TV off air. Dembe FM and KFM also ceased broadcasting, while publication of the Daily Monitor newspaper was interrupted.
The closure followed public statements by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba indicating that the affected media outlets would be shut down. Gen Muhoozi later publicly took responsibility for the operation.
NAB has also written separately to Gen Muhoozi requesting a meeting to discuss the closure from a national security perspective and to explore conditions that would allow the broadcaster to resume operations.
In another letter addressed to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the association asked the regulator to intervene, arguing that the shutdown appeared to have been carried out outside the regulatory procedures established under the Uganda Communications Act, 2013.
NAB said the continued closure threatens the livelihoods of hundreds of media workers and could negatively affect investor confidence and Uganda's international image.
The association also expressed concern over the implications of the shutdown for constitutional freedoms and the broader media ecosystem.
"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)," NAB said in an earlier statement.
The shutdown marks the latest confrontation involving Nation Media Group Uganda and the State.
NTV Uganda was temporarily taken off air in February 2007, only months after its launch, while police raided the Daily Monitor, Dembe FM and Red Pepper in May 2013 following publication of a letter alleging the existence of the so-called "Muhoozi Project."
Over the years, the Daily Monitor has also reported restrictions on access to official government events, while President Yoweri Museveni has publicly criticised the newspaper's editorial coverage on several occasions.
NAB said it will continue engaging the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the Uganda Communications Commission, the Chief of Defence Forces and other stakeholders in pursuit of an amicable resolution that would allow Nation Media Group Uganda to resume operations.
