A high-level meeting between Nation Media Group (NMG) owner Rostam Aziz and Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has emerged as a key development in the ongoing shutdown of NMG outlets, raising fresh questions about the fate of one of East Africa’s largest media houses.
The revelation was made by former journalist and Patriotic League Uganda (PLU) communications director Andrew Mwenda, who indicated that the meeting was aimed at resolving tensions that led to the closure of NMG operations in Uganda.
According to Mwenda, Gen. Muhoozi used the meeting to present concerns from the military regarding the editorial conduct of the media group.
“The CDF presented a report alleging bias, false reporting, and activism by the media house,” Mwenda said.
He added that the discussions were part of efforts to find common ground between the government and the Nairobi-based media organisation, whose outlets — including NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor, and KFM — have remained off air since late June.
Mwenda further suggested that authorities believe the media house had deviated from professional journalism standards.
“There has been concern within security circles that some coverage crossed from reporting into activism,” he noted, without providing specific examples cited in the report.
The shutdown, initially linked to a security investigation, has drawn criticism from media rights organisations and sparked debate across the region about press freedom and state control.
However, the latest development signals a possible shift toward dialogue, with insiders pointing to ongoing engagements between NMG leadership and Ugandan authorities.
As of Wednesday, July 1, NMG operations in Uganda remain suspended, with security presence reportedly maintained at some media premises in Kampala. No official timeline has been given for reopening.
Rostam Aziz, a prominent businessman with interests across East Africa, is seen as a key figure in the negotiations, potentially bridging the gap between the state and the media house.
The outcome of the talks is now being closely watched, as it could determine whether NMG resumes operations or faces a prolonged shutdown in a standoff that continues to test media freedom in the region.