The leadership of Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda has held talks with the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the UPDF and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, regarding the ongoing closure of its outlets, including NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor.
The meeting, which took place at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe, was attended by NMG owner Mr. Rostam Aziz and his son, Mr. Saam Aziz, alongside Ms. Georgia Mutagaywa, Chief of Staff at Taarifa Limited, the parent company of Nation Media Group Uganda.
Veteran journalist and PLU leader Andrew Mwenda also attended the meeting, together with the Acting UPDF/Defence Public Information Director, Col. Chris Magezi.
The meeting follows the recent closure of NMG Uganda’s premises by security forces. The shutdown was instituted on the orders of the CDF, who cited what he described as a sustained blackmail campaign by the media group against the Government of Uganda and its leadership, as well as the promotion of opposition and foreign interests at the expense of Uganda.
During the discussions, specific instances of what the government considers biased and malicious reporting were reviewed. The NMG ownership committed to adopting a more patriotic, balanced, and objective approach to its journalism going forward.
The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to resolve the standoff between the media group and the Government.
Gen. Kainerugaba announced through his social media channels that he will present a formal report on the discussions to the President for consideration before a final decision is made on the reopening of the media group’s premises.
