The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has met with the leadership of Nation Media Group (NMG) to discuss the ongoing closure of its outlets, which include NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, Dembe FM and the Daily Monitor.
The meeting, which took place at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe, was attended by NMG owner Rostam Aziz and his son, Saam Aziz, alongside Georgia Mutagaywa, the Chief of Staff of Taarifa Limited, which is the parent organisation of NMG.
Veteran journalist and PLU leader Andrew Mwenda also attended, alongside Acting UPDF/Defence Public Information Director, Col Chris Magezi.
The part of an ongoing dialogue to resolve the standoff between the media group and the government follows the recent closure of NMG Uganda’s premises by security forces.
According to sources, specific instances of what the government deems biased and malicious reporting were reviewed, with the NMG ownership committing to adopting a more patriotic, balanced, and objective approach to their journalism moving forward.
Gen. Kainerugaba announced via his social media channels that he will present a formal report on the discussions to the President for consideration before a final decision on reopening the premises is made.
The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, revealed that the disruption of operations at Nation Media Group was occasioned by a Security-Led Inquiry, instituted by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“The inquiry involves the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, the Criminal Investigations Directorate of the Uganda Police Force, other security agencies and experts,” she said.