The ongoing military blockade of Nation Media Group Uganda (NMGU) is part of a “security-led inquiry” instituted by President Yoweri Museveni, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Justine Lumumba Kasule, revealed on Tuesday.
According to a statement released by Minister Lumumba on June 30, the multi-agency probe involves the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and other security experts.
‘The events of 28th June 2026 that led to the disruption of operations at Nation Media Group were occasioned by a Security-Led Inquiry… Government will inform the public once the inquiry has been concluded,’ Lumumba stated.
The government’s justification comes as armed, masked military personnel maintain a strict physical blockade on NMGU premises for a third consecutive day, crippling the country’s largest independent media house.
The siege began at 1:00 AM on Sunday, June 28, when security forces raided and barricaded NMGU’s main headquarters in Namuwongo and its broadcasting centers at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The ongoing operation has forced major national outlets-including the Daily Monitor newspaper, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, and Dembe FM-completely out of print circulation and off the air.
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed the shutdown was executed with President Museveni’s approval. Gen. Muhoozi noted he is currently locked in talks with veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, leader of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), to negotiate a potential reopening.
Despite the physical infrastructure being under military occupation and staff being denied access, NMGU management stated that the company is adapting. To circumvent the broadcast and print blackout, the media house is actively distributing breaking news, updates, and digital broadcasts through its various online channels.