Nation Media Group (NMG) will resume its operations in Uganda following authorisation by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, following a shutdown in June.
The announcement was made by Taifa Group, the majority shareholder of Nation Media Group through its subsidiary, Taarifa Limited. The company described the decision as an important milestone for regional investment, media development and East African integration.
Taifa Group Chairman Rostam Azizi thanked President Museveni for authorising the resumption of the Group’s operations and also acknowledged Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his support during the engagement process 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,” Azizi said.
“We are honoured by this decision and remain steadfast in our commitment to Uganda’s socio-economic development through responsible investment, long-term partnerships and sustainable value creation,” he added.
He reaffirmed Taifa Group’s support for Nation Media Group’s commitment to fair, balanced, independent and responsible journalism, saying the company believes professional media plays a vital role in informing the public, strengthening governance and supporting regional integration.
Azizi added that the decision reflected the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation among East African partners, pledging that Taifa Group would continue investing in initiatives that create jobs, strengthen institutions and promote shared prosperity across the region.
Nation Media Group Chairman Joe Muganda said the company would immediately begin rebuilding its operations in Uganda by reconnecting with audiences, employees, commercial partners and communities.
“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,” Muganda said.
He noted that the Group would leverage its regional expertise and capabilities to contribute to a resilient and forward-looking media industry while creating opportunities for journalists, businesses and public engagement.
The reopening follows weeks of discussions involving Ugandan authorities and Nation Media Group representatives, during which Gen Muhoozi repeatedly stated that the final decision on the media group’s future rested with President Museveni.
NMG’s Ugandan operations including Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM and Dembe FM, were forced off air on June 28 after Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers raided the company’s headquarters in Namuwongo on the orders of Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The operation halted newspaper printing, television broadcasts and radio transmissions, while authorities did not immediately provide a formal public explanation for the shutdown.
