MWE Correspondent
Uganda’s government has confirmed that the disruption of Nation Media Group operations was part of a security investigation ordered by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, following an overnight operation involving the military, police and intelligence agencies.
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance said the inquiry was being conducted jointly by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces>, the Uganda Police Force and national intelligence agencies, adding that further details would be released once investigations are complete.
The announcement followed the sudden shutdown of NTV Uganda and Spark TV, which were forced off air early Sunday after security personnel carried out an overnight operation at Nation Media Group’s headquarters in Namuwongo and at Kampala Serena Hotel.
The operation reportedly followed directives posted on social media by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, after which television screens went blank and several affiliated broadcasters, including KFM and Dembe FM, also ceased transmission.
Security forces were deployed shortly after midnight, restricting movement into and out of the media company’s premises while journalists and employees remained inside under tight security.
The unprecedented operation temporarily silenced one of East Africa’s largest independent media organisations, prompting widespread attention from journalists, media rights advocates and political observers across the region.
By Sunday morning, authorities had not publicly disclosed the specific reasons behind the security action, saying only that investigations were ongoing.
In its statement, the government urged the public to remain calm and said additional information would be provided after the inquiry is concluded.
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The incident has renewed debate over press freedom in Uganda, where Nation Media Group has previously faced security operations linked to its reporting. The company experienced high-profile raids in 2007 and 2013, incidents that drew criticism from media rights organisations and international observers.
Analysts say the latest shutdown is likely to intensify scrutiny of the relationship between Uganda’s security agencies and independent media, particularly as the country moves closer to its next electoral cycle.
Nation Media Group operates newspapers, television stations, radio networks and digital platforms across several East African countries, making it one of the region’s most influential media organisations.
The temporary closure of its Ugandan operations represents one of the most significant media disruptions in the country in recent years and is expected to remain under close observation by regional and international press freedom groups as authorities continue their investigation.
