KEG condemns military raid on Nation Media Group Uganda, demands restoration of operations

The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has condemned the reported military raid and closure of Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda, describing the move as a serious attack on media freedom, freedom of expression and the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Monday, KEG President Zubeidah Kananu said the reported deployment of military personnel to shut down a media house following public orders attributed to Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, sets a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic governance and the public's right to access independent information.

"The reported closure of a media house through the deployment of military force represents a grave affront to media freedom, freedom of expression, and the rule of law," Kananu said.

She added that any disputes involving media organisations should be handled through established legal and regulatory mechanisms rather than through the use or threat of military force.

"Any grievances against a media organisation, however strongly held, must be addressed through established legal and regulatory processes," she said.

Kananu said the Guild stands in solidarity with editors, journalists, broadcasters, photographers, camera crews and other media workers at Nation Media Group Uganda whose operations were disrupted.

She further said media freedom is protected under national constitutions and international human rights instruments, including Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

The Guild called on the Ugandan authorities to restore access to the affected media premises, uphold due process, respect judicial mechanisms and guarantee the safety and independence of journalists carrying out their duties.

It also urged regional and international bodies, including the East African Community, the African Union and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, to remain vigilant and speak out against actions that threaten independent journalism and democratic accountability.

The statement follows the reported shutdown of Nation Media Group Uganda's broadcast and print operations after armed security personnel surrounded the company's premises in Namuwongo, Kampala, and the Kampala Serena Hotel.

The operation reportedly affected NTV Uganda, Spark TV and the Daily Monitor after Muhoozi announced through his official social media account that the outlets would cease operations immediately.

"NTV and Monitor are being shut down from today," Muhoozi posted.

According to reports published by the Daily Monitor, heavily armed security officers sealed off the company's premises shortly after midnight, preventing staff from entering or leaving the offices.

NTV Uganda later confirmed that its broadcasts went off air at around 5 a.m. local time, while viewers of NTV Uganda and Spark TV were met with blank screens displaying a "video unavailable" message.

Staff members were also reportedly confined within the premises as security officers maintained a heavy presence, disrupting the publication of the Daily Monitor.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has since said it is engaging relevant government stakeholders to establish the circumstances surrounding the suspension of broadcasts by Nation Media Group outlets.

In a statement, the regulator said consultations had begun with the relevant government agencies to obtain verified information and appealed to the public to remain calm as the process continues.