Gen Muhoozi, NMG owners meet over Daily Monitor, NTV closure

KAMPALA - 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) Uganda to discuss the ongoing closure of its outlets, which include NTV Uganda 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.

The meeting follows the recent closure of NMG Uganda’s premises by security forces.

Veteran journalist and PLU leader Andrew Mwenda also attended, alongside Acting UPDF/Defence Public Information Director, Col. Chris Magezi.

The meeting follows the recent closure of NMG Uganda’s premises by security forces.

The shutdown was instituted on the orders of the CDF, who cited a sustained blackmail campaign by the media group against the government of Uganda and its leadership, alongside promoting opposition and foreign interests at the expense of Uganda.

Veteran journalist and PLU leader Andrew Mwenda also attended, alongside Acting UPDF/Defence Public Information Director, Col. Chris Magezi.

During the deliberations, 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.

This meeting is part of an ongoing dialogue to resolve the standoff between the media group and the government.

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.