The Uganda Communications Commission has said government agencies and Nation Media Group Uganda are holding consultations aimed at resolving the disruption of the company’s broadcasting and publishing services.
UCC communicated its position in response to concerns raised by the National Association of Broadcasters over the closure of several NMG Uganda outlets.
The affected operations include NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Dembe FM, KFM, Daily Monitor and The EastAfrican.
In a July 2, 2026 letter to NAB chairperson Innocent Nahabwe, UCC executive director Nyombi Thembo said the regulator had taken note of the association’s concerns.
He said the commission would issue further information after consultations involving relevant government agencies and the affected media organisation.
“As communicated in my statement of 30 June 2026, consultations are ongoing among the relevant government stakeholders with a view to resolving issues related to the disruption of broadcasting services at the Nation Media Group outlets,” Nyombi said.
NAB questions procedure used in closure
UCC’s response followed a June 28 letter in which NAB asked the regulator to intervene in the shutdown.
The broadcasters’ association argued that the action appeared to have taken place outside the established communications regulatory process.
NAB also wrote to Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba and separately contacted NMG Uganda over the matter.
The association said it supported the enforcement of professional and broadcasting standards. However, it questioned whether the procedures set out under the Uganda Communications Act, 2013 had been followed.
“As the regulator of the communications sector, your commission is mandated under Section 5 of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013 to license, regulate, and facilitate the provision of communication services,” Nahabwe wrote.
NAB warned that the continued disruption had affected hundreds of media employees.
It also said the closure could harm Uganda’s investment environment and international reputation.
Security operation disrupted NMG outlets
The shutdown followed an overnight security operation on June 28, 2026.
Security personnel reportedly blocked access to NMG premises in Namuwongo and at the Kampala Serena International Conference Centre.
The operation disrupted television, radio and newspaper production.
NTV Uganda and Spark TV went off air, while KFM and Dembe FM stopped broadcasting. Production of the Daily Monitor newspaper was also interrupted.
UCC cites security-led inquiry
In its response to NAB, UCC referred to an earlier statement by ICT and National Guidance minister Justine Kasule Lumumba.
Lumumba said the disruption followed a security-led investigation ordered by President Yoweri Museveni.
“The disruption of operations at Nation Media Group arose from a security-led inquiry instituted by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda,” the minister said.
UCC thanked NAB for its patience and said engagements were continuing with NMG Uganda and other government stakeholders.
The regulator did not provide a specific date for the restoration of the affected services.
