Nation Media Group Uganda (NMG-U) has officially resumed operations, bringing an end to a month-long shutdown that forced some of Uganda's biggest media platforms off air.
In a statement issued on Monday, NMG Chairman Joe Muganda announced that the company's television, print, radio and digital services would return in phases as operational arrangements are finalized.
“Nation Media Group Uganda is pleased to announce the resumption of its operations. Our services across television, print, radio and digital will be restored progressively as we complete the necessary operational arrangements,” Muganda said.
Month-Long Shutdown Ends
The reopening follows weeks of negotiations between Nation Media Group's shareholders and senior government officials after security agencies suspended the company's operations in late June.
The shutdown affected Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, Dembe FM, and the company's digital platforms, disrupting news coverage and impacting hundreds of employees.
Government officials said the closure resulted from a security-led inquiry involving the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and other security agencies.
The suspension came after Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly accused the media house of biased reporting and announced the closure of its Ugandan operations.
High-Level Talks
In recent weeks, Gen. Muhoozi held discussions with incoming majority shareholder Rostam Aziz at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe before Aziz later met President Yoweri Museveni at State House.
Although neither the government nor Nation Media Group disclosed the details of the meetings, the discussions reportedly focused on the company's future editorial direction, management and strengthening professional journalism.
The reopening also follows a recent meeting between Nation Media Group CEO Geoffrey Odundo and Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, a development widely seen as a sign of improving relations between the broadcaster and the communications regulator.
Ownership Change Continues
Nation Media Group is also undergoing a major ownership transition after Tanzanian businessman Rostam Aziz, through Taarifa Limited, agreed to acquire the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development's 54.08% controlling stake in the regional media company, subject to regulatory approvals.
The media house has maintained that the transaction will not affect its public listing on the stock exchanges in Nairobi, Uganda, Dar es Salaam and Rwanda.
The resumption of operations marks the end of one of the most significant disruptions to Uganda's media industry in recent years, restoring some of the country's most influential television, radio, newspaper and digital news platforms.