Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda has fully resumed its operations after more than a month of disruption following the shutdown of its major platforms in June.
The reopening brings back some of Uganda’s most recognized media brands, including Daily monitor and NTV Uganda, marking a significant development for the country’s media industry.
NMG returns to full operations.
Nation Media Group Uganda began the process of restoring its operations after the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) cleared the company to resume its television and newspaper activities.
The clearance came approximately one month after the group’s Ugandan operations were shutdown following a military intervation at its offices.
By late July, Nation Media Group said it had resumed operations, initially ensuring that its digital platforms continued serving audiences while the wider return was being organized.
What happened to Nation Media Group?
The crisis began in late June when Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, ordered the closure of NMG’s Uganda operations.
Military personnel were deployed at the company’s premises, affecting operations of NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor. The shutdown attracted significant attention from journalists, press-freedom organizations and the international community.
The Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders criticized the shutdown and called for the protection of press freedom in Uganda.
Nation Media Group staff return.
Following the clearance to resume operations, NMG Uganda began preparing its workforce and platforms for a full return.
Its Managing .Director Susan Nsibirwa addressed staff at Serena Hotel on August 6 as the company marked its full resumption of operations.
The return follows a period in which staff faced uncertainty over when they would be able to return to normal work at the company’s premises.
Earlier this week, reports indicated that NMG had delayed the physical return of some staff while security assessments were being conducted. The military subsequently vacated the company’s premises, ending its physical presence at the NMG offices.
Following the reopening, NMG Uganda has reiterated its commitment to independent journalism and professional media work. The company’s leadership has emphasized the importance of continuing to provide credible information to Uganda while maintaining professional journalistic standards.
Why reopening really matters.
The return of the media group comes at an important moment for Uganda’s media landscape.
Nation Media Group is one of the country’s biggest media organizations, with large audience through television, newspapers, radio, and digital platform. Its closure had therefore affected journalists, media workers, advertisers and millions of news consumers.
