By Eye Media Reporter | July 1, 2026

KAMPALA – Hopes are rising that NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor could soon resume operations after Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba held a high-level meeting with Nation Media Group (NMG) shareholders and senior executives on Wednesday.

The meeting, which comes just days after the unprecedented shutdown of NMG Uganda’s media outlets, is being viewed as a significant breakthrough in efforts to resolve a standoff that has attracted national and international attention.

Although neither Gen. Muhoozi nor Nation Media Group immediately disclosed the details of the discussions, sources familiar with the engagement indicated that the talks focused on finding a lasting solution that would pave the way for the reopening of the affected media platforms.

The development has sparked fresh optimism among journalists, media stakeholders and millions of Ugandans who have been waiting for the return of one of the country’s largest independent media organisations.

A Crisis That Shook Uganda’s Media Landscape

Nation Media Group’s Uganda operations were brought to a standstill after security agencies enforced a shutdown following public directives issued by Gen. Muhoozi on social media.

The closure affected NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor, Spark TV, KFM and Dembe FM, with security personnel deployed at the company’s premises in Namuwongo. Broadcasts were halted, newspaper production disrupted and staff denied normal access to their workplaces.

The action immediately ignited debate over press freedom, the rule of law and the relationship between the State and independent media.

For hundreds of employees—including journalists, editors, presenters, camera operators, technicians, sales teams and other support staff—the shutdown also meant an abrupt interruption of their daily work.

Meeting Signals Willingness to Resolve Impasse

Wednesday’s meeting is the clearest indication yet that both parties are pursuing dialogue instead of prolonged confrontation.

While no official agreement has been announced, observers believe the engagement demonstrates a willingness to de-escalate tensions and restore normal operations.

Industry analysts say dialogue remains the most practical path towards resolving disputes involving the media, particularly where public interest is at stake.

Should the talks succeed, NTV Uganda’s television broadcasts, Daily Monitor’s newspaper publication and the group’s radio stations could resume operations after days of silence.

Widespread Calls for Dialogue

Since the shutdown, media organisations, civil society groups and press freedom advocates have urged all parties to pursue peaceful engagement.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) called for dialogue, warning that prolonged closure of major media houses affects not only journalists but also the public’s access to information.

International press freedom organisations have also expressed concern, saying independent journalism remains essential for accountability, transparency and democratic governance.

Public Reactions

The shutdown has divided public opinion.

Some Ugandans argued that media houses should exercise greater responsibility in their reporting, while others questioned whether closing an entire media organisation was a proportionate response.

On social media, many users welcomed news of Wednesday’s meeting, expressing hope that the dispute would soon be resolved without further disruption to media operations.

Others urged both sides to prioritise dialogue, noting that the continued closure affects employees, advertisers, audiences and Uganda’s image as a country that upholds freedom of expression.

What Lies Ahead

As negotiations continue, there is cautious optimism that an agreement could soon be reached.

Neither Gen. Muhoozi nor Nation Media Group has announced when the affected outlets will resume broadcasting or publishing, but Wednesday’s meeting has strengthened expectations that the impasse may be nearing its end.

For now, journalists remain on standby, audiences continue to wait, and the country looks forward to an official announcement that could see NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor and the rest of the Nation Media Group outlets return to normal operations.