By Jazeerah Mirembe
KAMPALA. Soldiers attached to the elite Special Forces Command(SFC) have Monday ended a 32-day siege of Nation Media Group Uganda (NMG-U) which runs Daily Monitor , NTV, KFM , Ddembe FM.
Although the company was July 28 cleared by President Museveni to resume normal resume operations following a month-long shutdown that forced its television, radio and newspaper platforms off air.
But n Monday ,the sldiers vacated both the Namuwongo and Serena offices .
In an internal memo to staff n Monday ,the acting managing editor Allan Chekwech urged staff not immediately occupy the offices ,saying internal security had t6 first make some checks around .
“ Please note that while the military has vacated our premises, we are not allowed in until our internal security has given us the green light. A lot of checks are ongoing and we shouldn’t compromise that exercise. “ he noted, adding “We shall communicate the next steps”
On June 28, 2026, security operatives raided NMG Uganda offices, shutting down operations of Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM and Dembe FM.
Following the shutdown, NMG continued some operations digitally, with journalists publishing online stories and producing content despite the closure of its physical facilities.
However, sources said the company was later directed to halt all operations following engagements between government and the group’s majority shareholder.
The last article published on the Daily Monitor website before the wider halt of operations was a report on June 30 highlighting international condemnation of the shutdown.
The reopening follows authorisation by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni after weeks of engagements between NMG leadership and government officials.
Negotiations were led by NMG Editor-in-Chief Joe Ageyo, who remained in Kampala during the shutdown period as the company sought a resolution.
The final discussions involved NMG Chairman Joe Muganda, Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Odundo, NMG Uganda Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa, acting General Manager Allan Chekwech and Ageyo meeting Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo.
In a statement, Muganda welcomed the opportunity to resume operations in Uganda, saying the company’s immediate focus would be rebuilding relationships with audiences, employees and partners.
“We welcome the opportunity to resume operations in Uganda and to reconnect with our audiences, employees, commercial partners and communities,” Muganda said.
“Our immediate priority will be to restore our platforms responsibly, strengthen local content and provide Ugandans with credible, relevant and innovative journalism across print, broadcast and digital channels.”
Taifa Group, the majority shareholder of NMG through Taarifa Limited, confirmed that President Museveni had authorised the reopening.
Taifa Group Chairman Rostam Aziz thanked the President and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for their role in the engagements that led to the decision.
“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for this important decision, and to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his support throughout the engagement that led to this positive outcome,” Aziz said.
The shutdown followed growing tensions between government and the media group, with authorities raising concerns about what they described as imbalance in editorial coverage.
During earlier meetings, government officials reportedly demanded stronger adherence to professional journalism standards, including recruitment of experienced editors and journalists.
As operations resume, NMG said it would continue leveraging its regional presence in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda to strengthen journalism and public engagement.
The company said its commitment remained focused on editorial independence, integrity, fairness and professionalism.
The reopening marks the end of one of the longest disruptions faced by a major private media organisation in Uganda in recent years, although full physical operations are expected to resume after further clearance of the company’s facilities.