Civic technology expert Michael Katagaya has weighed in on the recent shutdown of Nation Media Group (NMG) outlets, warning that the move signals deeper governance and accountability challenges in the country.
Katagaya, a social entrepreneur and co-founder of the Evidence and Methods Lab (EML), expressed concern over the implications of the directive issued by Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The order led to the closure of key media platforms including NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor, with security forces deployed to enforce the shutdown.
In his remarks, Katagaya framed the development as more than a media issue, describing it as a disruption to the flow of public information that citizens rely on to engage with governance processes.
“Access to information is central to citizen participation and accountability. When major media platforms are abruptly shut down, it creates a gap that affects not just journalism, but the public’s ability to understand and respond to national issues,” he noted.
Drawing from his work in civic technology and data transparency, Katagaya emphasized that independent media plays a critical role in translating complex governance matters into accessible information.
He warned that limiting such platforms risks weakening oversight and public trust in institutions.
The shutdown, enforced without publicly detailed legal justification, has drawn criticism from various stakeholders, including journalists, activists, and political figures.
Katagaya’s intervention adds a governance and systems perspective to the debate, focusing on long-term institutional impact rather than immediate political reactions.
He further pointed out that technology and digital platforms alone cannot fully replace traditional media, especially in contexts where radio and television remain primary sources of information for many citizens.
“Digital innovation supports transparency, but it does not eliminate the need for independent media ecosystems. Both must coexist to ensure inclusive access to information,” he said.
The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of state actions affecting press freedom in Uganda, with observers noting an increasing overlap between military authority and civilian affairs.
Katagaya concluded by urging stakeholders to prioritise systems that protect information flow, arguing that sustainable governance depends on transparency, accountability, and an informed public.