KAMPALA, Uganda — Nation Media Group (NMG) is reportedly considering changes to its leadership as negotiations continue over the closure of its Ugandan media outlets, although one of the company’s founders has publicly rejected claims that the government should determine who runs the organisation.
The development comes a week after Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, ordered the shutdown of NMG Uganda’s operations, including the Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, KFM and other affiliated outlets. Security personnel subsequently took control of the company’s premises in Kampala, disrupting newspaper printing and radio and television broadcasts.
According to reports, discussions have been taking place between NMG shareholders and Gen. Kainerugaba in an effort to resolve the impasse. Reports from local media suggested the talks included proposals for changes in the company’s leadership and newsroom structure, including the possible reassignment of Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa and a review of editorial operations.
However, Phillip Wafula Oguttu, a co-founder of Monitor Publications, has strongly opposed what he described as attempts by the State to influence staffing decisions at the media house.
“I understand the State wants us (Nation Media Group) to sack some of our managers, including the managing director and some editors. But that will not happen, by the way. We would rather close than allow the State to choose for us staff,” Oguttu said in remarks shared publicly.
His comments came after local media reported that NMG was weighing possible management changes as part of efforts to restore normal operations. Those reports have not been confirmed by the company, and NMG has not announced any leadership changes.
Meanwhile, Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa has said the company continues to operate through its digital platforms despite the shutdown of its broadcast and printing operations.
“Nothing much has changed,” Nsibirwa told the Committee to Protect Journalists. “Our websites are active, our social media handles are active, and pretty much that’s how we’re doing our work, until the situation should change. So we’re just digital now.”
The Ugandan government has said the disruption of NMG’s operations stems from a security-led inquiry ordered by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. According to ICT and National Guidance Minister Justine Lumumba Kasule, the investigation involves the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, the Criminal Investigations Directorate and other security agencies, although authorities have not publicly disclosed the subject of the inquiry.
Gen. Kainerugaba has previously defended the shutdown, accusing Nation Media Group of biased reporting and saying discussions with the company’s shareholders focused on what the government considers unfair coverage. Following the meeting, he said he would submit a report to the President before a final decision is made on reopening the affected outlets.
The closure has drawn widespread criticism from international press freedom organisations. The Committee to Protect Journalists called on Ugandan authorities to allow Nation Media Group to resume normal operations and ensure the safety of its journalists and executives.
International media rights advocates and foreign governments have also expressed concern over the shutdown, describing it as a setback for media freedom in Uganda and urging authorities to restore the operations of the affected outlets.
As negotiations continue, the future of Nation Media Group’s Ugandan operations remains uncertain, with its television and radio stations still off air while the company maintains its digital news services.