Nation Media Group-Uganda (NMG) journalists have been entirely excluded from covering Uganda’s Parliament in 2026, according to the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) media accreditation list released in mid-December 2025.
The move has sparked widespread debate about press freedom and democratic accountability ahead of next year’s general elections.
The exclusion comes amid an ongoing standoff that began earlier in 2025 when NMG journalists—who work for outlets including Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, and KFM—were barred from covering State House events without explanation. Critics say the restrictions appear to target media perceived as critical of the government, particularly President Yoweri Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
In October 2025, the dispute escalated when Parliament withdrew all NMG accreditations, effectively barring the company’s journalists from plenary sessions and official proceedings. While Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa noted investigations were ongoing, no specific allegations against NMG were publicly disclosed. Parliament’s communications office initially denied the existence of a formal ban, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty.
The December 2025 UPPA accreditation list extends the blackout, excluding all NMG reporters for the entirety of 2026.
Social media reactions have been swift: Samwise Gamgee (@Sambannz) called the move an abuse of power, tweeting, “#StopAbuseOfPowerUg #JournalismIsNotACrime.”
Musimbi Steven (@StevenMusimbi) defended NMG, describing Parliament as a national institution but urging officials to “Hands off Nation Media Group… Justice for all. Free NMG, Free Uganda.”
Ugandan 256 (@Kibselectoz1) praised NMG’s resilience, noting, “Thnx for not accepting to be used as a gun for hire.”
Opposition MPs, media watchdogs such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and human rights groups have condemned the move, arguing it violates constitutional guarantees of press freedom (Article 29) and public access to information (Article 41).
NMG Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa described the exclusion as a “direct attack on democratic accountability,” emphasising that public institutions funded by taxpayers require independent scrutiny.
Government defenders have suggested the actions reflect media regulation or an emphasis on state-owned outlets like Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).
However, critics say the timing—just ahead of the January 2026 elections—raises concerns about limiting critical reporting and curtailing pluralistic coverage.
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