Dialogue Begins as Gen. Muhoozi Meets NMG Owners Over Suspension of Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Tuesday held a high-level meeting with the leadership and owners of Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda as efforts continue to resolve the ongoing closure of the media house's operations.

The meeting took place at the Special Forces Command (SFC) Headquarters in Entebbe and brought together NMG owner Mr. Rostam Aziz, his son Mr. Saam Aziz, and Ms. Georgia Mutagaywa, Chief of Staff at Taarifa Limited, the parent organization of NMG Uganda.

Also in attendance were veteran journalist and Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) leader Andrew Mwenda and Acting UPDF/Defence Public Information Director Col. Chris Magezi.

The engagement follows the recent closure of Nation Media Group Uganda's premises, including those of the Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda, by security agencies acting on directives issued by Gen. Muhoozi.

According to the Chief of Defence Forces, the decision to suspend the media group's operations was prompted by what he described as a sustained campaign of blackmail against the Government of Uganda and its leadership. He further accused the media house of advancing opposition and foreign interests at the expense of Uganda's national interests.

During the meeting, the parties reportedly held detailed discussions on a number of publications and broadcasts that government officials believe reflected biased, unfair, and malicious reporting. The deliberations focused on concerns surrounding journalistic standards, editorial independence, national interest, and the relationship between the media and the state.

According to information released after the meeting, the NMG ownership acknowledged the concerns raised and committed to pursuing what was described as a more patriotic, balanced, and objective approach to journalism in the future.

The dialogue marks one of the most significant engagements since the closure of the media organization's offices and is viewed as an attempt to find common ground between the government and one of Uganda's largest independent media companies.

Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that both sides expressed a willingness to continue engaging constructively in pursuit of a lasting solution to the impasse.

Following the meeting, Gen. Muhoozi announced through his social media platforms that he would prepare and submit a formal report to President Yoweri Museveni outlining the outcome of the discussions.

According to the CDF, the President will review the report before making a final determination on whether the closure of the NMG Uganda premises should be lifted and operations allowed to resume.

The development comes amid heightened public interest over the closure, which has generated debate on issues relating to media freedom, national security, responsible journalism, and the role of the press in a democratic society.

The outcome of the President's review is expected to determine the next course of action regarding the reopening of the Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, and other Nation Media Group Uganda operations, as both government and media stakeholders continue efforts to resolve the dispute through dialogue.