Denis Woniala
Former news anchor Denis Woniala has weighed in on the recent shutdown of Nation Media Group (NMG) outlets in Uganda, warning that the move signals a deepening crackdown on media freedom and echoes past state actions against journalists.
In a detailed reflection, Woniala drew parallels between the current situation and the events surrounding the 2021 general elections, when security forces were accused of violently targeting journalists covering political developments.
He recalled that several reporters were beaten, tortured, and had their equipment destroyed during the operations.
“At the time, the army later held a press briefing to justify their actions without taking responsibility,” Woniala noted, adding that some journalists, including Gabriel Buule, walked out in protest.
Media houses subsequently staged a boycott of security-related coverage until an official apology was issued.
According to Woniala, that apology eventually came on February 18, 2021, when then Chief of Defence Forces General David Muhoozi acknowledged the misconduct of security personnel and pledged accountability.
However, he now questions the apparent silence within the media industry following the closure of NMG outlets, including NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor.
“Today, a whole media house is closed, yet it is largely business as usual for others,” he said.
Woniala argued that media organisations should have collectively resisted the shutdown, insisting that due process must be followed.
He maintained that any regulatory action should involve clear communication, justification, and an opportunity for correction rather than abrupt closures enforced