NMG ASKS STAFF TO RETURN TO WORK

NILE POST

Nation Media Group Uganda (NMG-U) has resumed operations following a month-long shutdown that forced its television, radio and newspaper platforms off air.

In a memo to staff dated July 28, 2026, the company’s Human Resources department announced that operations had resumed, although most employees would initially work remotely as the organization assesses and clears its premises.

“We are glad to inform you that we are back in operation, effective today, 28th July 2026,” the memo stated.

The company said staff who may be required to immediately return to the Namuwongo and Serena offices would be contacted by their supervisors, while employees based at Commercial Plaza could resume physical work immediately.

The reopening comes exactly one month after security operatives raided NMG Uganda offices on June 28, 2026, shutting down operations of Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM and Dembe FM.

Following the shutdown, NMG continued some operations digitally, with journalists publishing online stories and producing content despite the closure of its physical facilities.

However, sources said the company was later directed to halt all operations following engagements between government and the group’s majority shareholder.

The last article published on the Daily Monitor website before the wider halt of operations was a report on June 30 highlighting international condemnation of the shutdown.

The reopening follows authorisation by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni after weeks of engagements between NMG leadership and government officials.

Negotiations were led by NMG Editor-in-Chief Joe Ageyo, who remained in Kampala during the shutdown period as the company sought a resolution.

The final discussions involved NMG Chairman Joe Muganda, Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Odundo, NMG Uganda Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa, acting General Manager Allan Chekwech and Ageyo meeting Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo.

In a statement, Muganda welcomed the opportunity to resume operations in Uganda, saying the company’s immediate focus would be rebuilding relationships with audiences, employees and partners.

“We welcome the opportunity to resume operations in Uganda and to reconnect with our audiences, employees, commercial partners and communities,” Muganda said.

“Our immediate priority will be to restore our platforms responsibly, strengthen local content and provide Ugandans with credible, relevant and innovative journalism across print, broadcast and digital channels.”

Taifa Group, the majority shareholder of NMG through Taarifa Limited, confirmed that President Museveni had authorised the reopening.

Taifa Group Chairman Rostam Aziz thanked the President and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for their role in the engagements that led to the decision.

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for this important decision, and to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his support throughout the engagement that led to this positive outcome,” Aziz said.

The shutdown followed growing tensions between government and the media group, with authorities raising concerns about what they described as imbalance in editorial coverage.

During earlier meetings, government officials reportedly demanded stronger adherence to professional journalism standards, including recruitment of experienced editors and journalists.

Journalist Andrew Mwenda, who attended one of the meetings at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe, said authorities wanted commitments on professional standards and objective reporting.

“The government simply wants them to be professional,” Mwenda said, adding that NMG was expected to recruit experienced editorial staff committed to balanced journalism.

The shutdown also came amid wider political tensions, including disagreements linked to the detention of opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye.

As operations resume, NMG said it would continue leveraging its regional presence in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda to strengthen journalism and public engagement.

The company said its commitment remained focused on editorial independence, integrity, fairness and professionalism.

The reopening marks the end of one of the longest disruptions faced by a major private media organisation in Uganda in recent years, although full physical operations are expected to resume after further clearance of the company’s facilities.