KAMPALA. The State House has explained why journalists attached to Nation Media Group (NMG) have continued to be blocked from covering President Museveni’s functions .
In a statement released Wednesday evening, Mr Kirunda Faruk, the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Deputy Press Secretary, said the decision by the President was limited in scope and followed repeated distortions in the Group’s coverage of his engagements.
“To set the record straight: H.E. @KagutaMuseveni stopped NMG (parent company of @DailyMonitor, @ntvuganda, @933kfm, etc.) from covering him as an individual after persistent instances of misreporting,” Kirunda said, quoting an NMG statement on the same.
“But the President did not stop NMG from working in Uganda or covering other government institutions. Moreover, as PPU, we continue to provide press releases and appreciate their use,” he added.
Mr Kirunda explained that President Museveni remains a firm defender of constitutional freedoms, noting that he has consistently promoted free media and access to information since restoring constitutional governance in Uganda.
“President Museveni cannot infringe on constitutional provisions when he is the one who oversaw the return to constitutionalism and the rule of law. He remains the most media-friendly leader,” he emphasized.
NMG Protests ‘Months-Long’ Blockade
Kirunda’s statement came hours after the Nation Media Group-Uganda earlier in the day issued a scathing statement expressing deep concern over its journalists being barred from covering both the Presidency and Parliament of Uganda.
The Group, which owns Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, and KFM, described the restrictions as a violation of press freedom and citizens’ right to access information under the 1995 Constitution.
“There has been no formal communication explaining the reasons behind this blockade. Denying coverage of the Presidency and Parliament violates the letter and spirit of the Constitution,” said Susan Nsibirwa, NGM-U Managing Director.
The Group vowed to continue its work of holding public institutions accountable and reaffirmed its commitment to journalism that “informs, educates, and empowers citizens.” “Independent media is not a privilege; it is a constitutional duty,” the statement emphasized.
On Tuesday, security officers at Parliament reportedly denied entry to NMG journalists, confiscating their accreditation cards and citing unspecified “instructions not to let them in.”
No official reason was given for the action and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa as feigned prior knowledge of the decision.
In a statement issued by the NAB Secretariat on Wednesday , the association described the incident as “a direct affront to press freedom,” noting that it mirrors a recent restriction on the same media house’s coverage of the Presidency.
“NAB is deeply concerned by reports that our member, the Nation Media Group-Uganda, has been blocked from covering the Parliament of Uganda. This action, following a similar blockade on covering the Presidency, is a direct affront to press freedom,” the statement reads in part
The broadcasters’ body emphasized that journalism is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of democracy, particularly in the build-up to national elections.
“Journalism is not a crime. It is a constitutionally guaranteed right and a vital pillar of democracy, especially during an election season,” NAB said.
The association further noted that the media’s duty is to inform citizens and hold those in power accountable, even when their reporting may be viewed as critical.
“The media’s role is to inform citizens and hold power to account. This sometimes involves reporting that may be perceived as critical, but in a democratic society, these checks and balances are essential for transparency and good governance,” NAB added.
According to the statement, NAB has engaged relevant authorities to seek a quick and constructive resolution to the matter.
“NAB has engaged the relevant authorities to urgently seek a solution and a constructive way forward,” the association stated, stressing the need for mutual respect between the media and state institutions.
“We believe it is imperative for the Fourth Estate and the arms of government to coexist, respecting the constitutional mandate of all parties to serve the public interest,” NAB said.
The development comes on the heels of a similar incident in which NMG journalists were reportedly barred from covering presidential events earlier this month, including the ongoing re-election campaign of President Museveni.