High-level talks between CDF and NMG owners signal possible reopening as military siege enters fourth day.
By Dean Lubowa Saava
Deep State Politics.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba Holds High-Stakes Meeting with Nation Media Group Owners Amid Ongoing Closure of NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor In a significant development on July 1, 2026, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with top leadership of Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe.
The closed-door discussions focused on the continued military-enforced closure of key NMG outlets, including NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor, which were shut down in a dramatic overnight operation on June 27–28, 2026.
Attendees and Context
- NMG side: Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Aziz (majority shareholder who acquired controlling stake in NMG earlier in 2026), his son Saam Aziz, and Georgia Mutagaywa, Chief of Staff of Taarifa Limited (the parent organization of NMG Uganda).
- The meeting signals an attempt at dialogue following days of tension.
Background of the Closure The closures stemmed from Gen. Muhoozi’s public announcements on X (formerly Twitter), where he declared that President Yoweri Museveni (“Mzee”) had approved the shutdown.
He stated that the outlets would not reopen without his personal permission and emphasized that all media in Uganda must follow “the rules,” with “bad stories” requiring clearance from his office.
Armed security personnel besieged NMG’s headquarters in Namuwongo, Kampala, and the broadcast facilities at Serena Hotel. NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and other stations were taken off air, while printing and distribution of the Daily Monitor were halted. The action affected multiple platforms under NMG, including KFM, Dembe FM, and The East African.
Gen. Muhoozi framed the move as part of broader efforts to guide the press with “cadres of the revolution,” rejecting the concept of a completely free press.
The shutdown drew sharp criticism from press freedom advocates, Amnesty International, and international observers, who raised concerns about media independence and political succession dynamics in Uganda.
Path to Resolution Earlier signals of de-escalation came from Andrew Mwenda, a veteran journalist and leader in Muhoozi’s Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), who announced that reopening was under consideration after initial talks.
Gen. Muhoozi later referenced ongoing consultations with allies in the UK and Europe before presenting recommendations to President Museveni.
In today’s meeting, sources indicate the discussions centered on conditions for potential reopening, editorial guidelines, and addressing security concerns raised by the government. Gen. Muhoozi is expected to compile a formal report on the deliberations and present it to President Museveni for a final decision.
Broader Implications Rostam Aziz’s recent acquisition of NMG had been positioned as a move toward modernization while preserving editorial independence. The current crisis tests that balance and places the Tanzanian investor at the center of Uganda’s media-government tensions.
Staff at the affected outlets remain largely unable to access offices freely, and broadcasting/printing has not resumed. The National Association of Broadcasters and other stakeholders have described the shutdown as a significant blow to Uganda’s media ecosystem.
This engagement at the SFC headquarters reflects Gen. Muhoozi’s growing influence in both security and civilian matters. Developments are being closely watched regionally, as the outcome could set precedents for media operations across East Africa. The story is evolving. Further updates will depend on the President’s response to Gen. Muhoozi’s report and any formal agreements reached with NMG leadership.
