Nation Media Resumes Uganda Operations After Approval

Nation Media Resumes Uganda Operations After Approval (News Central TV) Nation Media Resumes Uganda Operations After Approval (News Central TV)
Kenya's Nation Media Group HQ, Nairobi, 19 January 2018. © Simon Maina/AFP.

Nation Media Group (NMG) has announced the resumption of operations in Uganda following President Yoweri Museveni’s authorisation to reopen the regional media company’s outlets.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Taifa Group, the majority shareholder of Nation Media Group through its subsidiary, Taarifa Limited.

The company described the decision as “an important milestone for regional investment, media development and East African integration.”

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The resumption follows the closure of NMG’s Ugandan operations in June after Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the shutdown of the group’s television, radio and newspaper outlets, including NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor.

The move drew condemnation from local and international media rights groups, while Ugandan authorities said it was linked to a security inquiry ordered by President Museveni.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Chairman Rostam Azizi thanked President Museveni for approving the resumption of operations and also acknowledged the role played by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba during negotiations.

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for this important decision, and to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his support throughout the engagement that led to this positive outcome.”

Azizi said the company remained committed to Uganda’s development through long-term investment.

“We are honoured by this decision and remain steadfast in our commitment to Uganda’s socio-economic development through responsible investment, long-term partnerships and sustainable value creation,” he said.

Nation Media Resumes Uganda Operations After Approval (News Central TV)
The statement issued by Taifa Group. Credit: Nation Media Group/X.

Azizi described the reopening as evidence of constructive engagement between governments and the private sector.

“This decision demonstrates the value of dialogue, mutual respect and regional cooperation. Taifa Group will continue investing in opportunities that create jobs, strengthen institutions and advance shared prosperity across East Africa.”

Nation Media Group Chairman Joe Muganda said the company’s immediate focus would be restoring services and rebuilding relationships with audiences and business partners.

“Our immediate priority will be to restore our platforms responsibly, strengthen local content and provide Ugandans with credible, relevant and innovative journalism across print, broadcast and digital channels,” he added.

He added that the company would leverage its regional footprint to strengthen Uganda’s media industry.

The company added that as Nation Media Group rebuilds its Ugandan operations, it will continue leveraging its presence across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda “to connect audiences, strengthen regional conversations and support the social and economic development of East Africa.”

Nation Media Group’s Ugandan operations were suspended on June 28 after soldiers sealed off its premises following orders by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

The shutdown affected NTV Uganda, the Daily Monitor, Spark TV, KFM and other outlets, prompting criticism from press freedom organisations and raising concerns over media freedom in Uganda.

Following weeks of negotiations involving senior company executives and Ugandan officials, President Museveni authorised the resumption of operations.

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Author

  • Olayide Oluwafunmilayo Soaga is a Nigerian journalist with four years of professional experience. She reports on health, gender, education and development, with a focus on impact-driven storytelling.

    She was runner-up for the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) Best Solutions Journalism Award in West Africa in 2024 and a finalist for the 2025 West Africa Media Excellence Awards.

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