UCC speaks out on closure of NMG outlets
"Consultations have begun with the relevant government stakeholders to obtain verified information," the regulator said.
Uganda Communications Commission executive director Nyombi Thembo. File Photo
The executive director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Nyombi Thembo, has said the communications regulator is engaging relevant government institutions to establish the circumstances surrounding the shutdown of Nation Media Group (NMG) media outlets before issuing a comprehensive statement.
Thembo made the remarks on Sunday (June 28) after journalists at the Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda reported that their media houses had been closed. The closure also affected NMG's other media platforms, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Dembe FM, KFM and The EastAfrican.
Addressing the public, Thembo confirmed that the regulator was aware that the broadcasters had gone off air and said consultations were underway to establish the facts.
"We are engaging stakeholders within the broader government institutions, making consultations so that we get the full picture of the situation as it unfolds," he said.
He explained that once all the facts had been established, UCC would issue a comprehensive statement in its capacity as the communications regulator.
"When we get the full picture with all the facts, as a regulator, we shall issue a comprehensive statement," Thembo said.
He appealed for calm, urging the public to allow the ongoing consultations to run their course.
"The Commission urges the public to remain calm and allow these consultations to proceed. We are making good progress in getting the full picture, which we shall use to inform you about what is happening," he added.
By press time, New Vision had not independently established the reasons behind the closure of the media houses.
When contacted, the executive director of the Uganda Media Centre, Alan Kasujja, referred this reporter to statements circulating on social media.
The Minister for Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, Kasule Lumumba, said she had directed UCC to compile the history and regulatory records relating to Nation Media Group before she issues an official government statement on Monday.
"I first want to get facts because this is to do with somebody's business, investor confidence and public relations of government. So, I have to get facts and issue a statement," Lumumba said.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) said it is closely monitoring the unfolding situation involving its member media houses under Nation Media Group, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Dembe FM, KFM, Daily Monitor and The EastAfrican.
The association said it had reached out to the Ministry of ICT, the Uganda Communications Commission and the Chief of Defence Forces to seek clarity on the matter and pursue an amicable resolution.