By Patrick Okino
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has urged the public to remain calm as consultations continue with relevant government stakeholders following the shutdown of NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor, Spark TV, Dembe FM, and KFM.
In a statement, the Commission said it is seeking verified information regarding the incident and will provide further updates once the consultations are concluded.
NTV Uganda was forced off air following a military operation reportedly ordered by the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Armed security personnel sealed off Nation Media Group’s offices in Namuwongo and the Serena International Conference Centre in Kampala, preventing employees from entering or leaving the premises.
Gen. Muhoozi later posted on X that NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and the Daily Monitor had been shut down immediately, stating that he does “not believe in a free press.” He further said the media outlets would not resume operations without his permission.
The affected premises remain under security lockdown. As of publication, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) had not issued an official statement explaining the legal basis for the operation.
In a statement, Nation Media Group said its offices in Namuwongo and at the Serena International Conference Centre had become inaccessible following overnight military raids, disrupting its news operations.