KAMPALA UGANDA: 30 JUNE 2026— The Government of Uganda has announced that the military raid which culminated into closure of NMG conglomerate on June 28, is part of the security-led inquiry instituted by President Yoweri Museveni.
In a press statement issued by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Lumumba Kasule confirmed that the disruption was the result of an ongoing investigation is being conducted by a joint team comprising the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, the Criminal Investigations Directorate of the Uganda Police Force, alongside other security agencies and technical experts.
“The events of 28th June 2026 that led to the disruption of operations at Nation Media Group were occasioned by a security-led inquiry,” the statement read, emphasizing the government’s position that the actions taken were part of a broader investigative process.
The government has not yet disclosed the specific reasons behind the inquiry or the nature of the security concerns involved. However, Hon Lumumba assured the public that findings will be made available once the investigation is complete.
The shutdown of one of East Africa’s leading media houses has raised concerns among media stakeholders and civil society groups, particularly regarding press freedom and the independence of media institutions in Uganda.
While the government maintains that the action is part of a legitimate security process, media analysts note that this is not the first time authorities have targeted NMG operations. Previous incidents—including temporary closures and regulatory disputes—have often stemmed from disagreements over editorial content and political coverage.
These recurring clashes have also fueled an ongoing debate about the balance between national security and media independence in Uganda.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations and press freedom advocates are closely monitoring the situation, warning that repeated disruptions could have a chilling effect on journalism in the country.