Makerere University scholar and political theorist Yusuf Sserunkuma has weighed in on the controversial shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets in Uganda, describing the move as both illegal and paradoxically affirming of the media house’s journalistic credibility.
In an X message addressed to Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda, Sserunkuma praised the outlets for what he termed as “excellent execution” of their mandate to inform the public, even as they face forced closure by state authorities.
“It is undeniable that you have been excellent in the execution of your promise to country,” Sserunkuma stated, framing the shutdown not as a failure but as evidence of impactful journalism.
The remarks come amid growing concern over press freedom in Uganda following the abrupt suspension of operations at NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor, and affiliated platforms.
The shutdown, reportedly ordered by military leadership, has drawn criticism from media stakeholders and civil society groups, who view it as a direct attack on independent journalism.
Sserunkuma’s message stood out for its tone of solidarity and intellectual framing of the crisis.
He argued that the closure, while painful, should be interpreted as a “shining badge of honor,” suggesting that the affected outlets had fulfilled their watchdog role effectively enough to unsettle power structures.
His reference to American founding father Thomas Jefferson further underscored his argument. Jefferson famously argued that a free press is essential to democracy, even preferring it over government in extreme philosophical terms.
By invoking this comparison, Sserunkuma positioned the Ugandan outlets within a broader historical tradition of adversarial journalism.
“You are the press that Thomas Jefferson spoke about,” he wrote, reinforcing the idea that the media’s role is to challenge authority rather than align with it.
Despite the current uncertainty, Sserunkuma expressed optimism about the future of the media house, predicting a strong comeback once operations resume.
“You’ll surely return bigger and bolder,” he added, offering a message of resilience to journalists and staff affected by the shutdown.
The closure of Nation Media Group outlets marks one of the most significant media crackdowns in Uganda in recent years, raising questions about the balance between state authority and press freedom.
While authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive legal justification, reactions like Sserunkuma’s highlight a growing narrative that the shutdown may ultimately reinforce, rather than weaken, the credibility of independent media.