Veteran journalist and Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Director of Communications Andrew Mwenda has indicated that shuttered Nation Media Group (NMG) outlets in Uganda could soon resume operations, following high-level discussions with Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
In a statement shared publicly, Mwenda revealed that he had engaged directly with Gen Muhoozi and that a resolution had been reached in principle to reopen both Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda.
However, he clarified that the process would first involve consultations with the management of the affected media houses before any formal resumption of broadcasting and publishing.
“We, as leaders of PLU, have agreed that we shall reopen both Daily Monitor and NTV soon. However, we shall first have discussions with the management of both sister companies,” Mwenda stated, adding that he would communicate timelines for the planned meeting.
Negotiations Follow Controversial Shutdown
Mwenda’s remarks come barely a day after security forces enforced a shutdown of multiple NMG outlets in Uganda, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, and Dembe FM.
The operation, reportedly executed overnight, saw armed personnel deployed at media premises, effectively halting all operations.
The shutdown was triggered by a directive from Gen Muhoozi, who publicly declared that the outlets would remain closed until further notice.
The move sparked widespread debate across the region, particularly due to the absence of a formal legal order from regulatory authorities.
Shift Towards Dialogue
Mwenda’s intervention signals a possible shift from confrontation to dialogue, with PLU positioning itself as a mediator between the military leadership and the media group.
His statement suggests that reopening the outlets is now contingent on structured engagements rather than unilateral directives.
Despite the optimism, key details remain unclear, including the conditions under which the outlets will be allowed to resume operations and whether any editorial or regulatory concessions will be required.