Museveni’s govt breaks silence on media siege in Uganda
By Kenneth Mwenda, June 30, 2026The Ugandan government has confirmed that the disruption of Nation Media Group Uganda operations was caused by a security-led inquiry ordered by President Yoweri Museveni.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the government said the events of June 28, 2026, which led to the shutdown of media operations, formed part of an official inquiry involving several security agencies.
“The events of 28th June 2026 that led to the disruption of operations at Nation Media Group were occasioned by a security-led inquiry instituted by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda,” the statement read.
The inquiry involved the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, the Criminal Investigations Directorate of the Uganda Police Force, other security agencies and experts. The government said it will update the public once the process is complete.
“The inquiry involves the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, the Criminal Investigations Directorate of the Uganda Police Force, other security agencies and experts. Government will inform the public once the inquiry has been concluded.”
The statement comes after armed security personnel surrounded Nation Media Group’s offices in Kampala on June 28, 2026, blocking access to staff and halting operations at Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM and Dembe FM. Printing and broadcasting were also disrupted.
Nation Media Group managing director in Uganda, Susan Nsibirwa, said the company continued limited operations online. Speaking to the Committee to Protect Journalists, she said the situation had not changed much since the shutdown.
“Our websites are active, our social media handles are active, and pretty much that’s how we’re doing our work, until the situation should change,” Nsibirwa said.
Shutdown triggers global concern
The shutdown followed public posts on social media by the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who announced the closure of the outlets and criticised the idea of a free press. His remarks sparked concern among journalists and rights groups.
Nsibirwa also reported that some staff were briefly detained when security forces took control of broadcast facilities. They were later released without injury.
Media freedom groups have condemned the operation. The Kenya Editors Guild said the use of military force against a media house undermines press freedom and the rule of law. It called for disputes to be handled through legal channels.
Amnesty International also criticised the move, describing it as part of a wider pattern of pressure on independent media in Uganda. The organisation called for respect for press freedom and accountability.
International attention has also followed the incident. US Senator Jim Risch said Washington should review its security relationship with Uganda, citing concerns over attacks on free expression.
The Uganda Communications Commission said it has begun consultations with government agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the shutdown. It urged the public to remain calm as discussions continue.