Kenya Editors Guild Condemns Uganda Media Shutdown, Warns Of Threat To Press Freedom
News Updated: 29 June 2026 15:23 EAT
The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has strongly condemned the shutdown of Nation Media Group (NMG) media outlets in Uganda, describing the move as a serious assault on press freedom, freedom of expression and democratic accountability. The editors' body said the closure of independent media outlets undermines constitutional rights, weakens public access to information and threatens the democratic principles that underpin governance in the East African region.
The condemnation follows the reported closure of NMG's Uganda operations, including Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda and KFM radio, after an order attributed to Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Soldiers were reportedly deployed to the media house's premises in Kampala, restricting access to the facilities and disrupting broadcasting and publishing operations.
In a statement, KEG said the military action represented a dangerous escalation against independent journalism and set a worrying precedent for media freedom across the region. The guild maintained that journalists and media organisations must be allowed to operate independently without intimidation, harassment or interference from state security agencies.
The editors' body noted that a free and independent press remains an essential pillar of democratic governance by promoting transparency, accountability and informed public participation. It warned that actions targeting media organisations erode public trust in democratic institutions and weaken oversight of those in positions of authority.
KEG called on the Ugandan government and security agencies to immediately restore the operations of the affected media outlets and guarantee the safety and security of journalists, editors and other media workers. It stressed that any disputes involving the media should be handled through lawful and transparent judicial processes rather than military intervention.
The guild further appealed to regional institutions, including the East African Community and the African Union, together with international press freedom organisations, to engage Ugandan authorities and ensure compliance with regional and international commitments protecting freedom of expression and media independence.
According to reports, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba defended the action through social media posts, arguing that he does not believe in unrestricted press freedom and accusing sections of the media of acting against national interests. The remarks have drawn criticism from press freedom advocates across the region.
Nation Media Group is East Africa's largest independent media organisation, with operations spanning Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. Its Ugandan outlets, including Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda and KFM radio, are among the country's leading independent news platforms, making the shutdown one of the most significant actions against the media sector in recent years.
The Uganda Editors' Guild also condemned the closure, describing it as unlawful and calling for the immediate reopening of the affected media houses. Several regional media organisations have since expressed solidarity with journalists in Uganda, warning that attacks on independent media threaten democratic governance across East Africa.
Media rights organisations have argued that restricting independent journalism limits citizens' access to credible information, weakens public scrutiny of government institutions and creates an environment where accountability is diminished. They have urged authorities to safeguard constitutional protections for journalists and media organisations.
Uganda has faced repeated criticism from international press freedom organisations over restrictions on journalists and media houses, particularly during election periods and politically sensitive events. Previous incidents have included arrests of journalists, raids on media organisations and temporary suspensions of broadcasting operations.
KEG reaffirmed that press freedom is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone of accountable governance and sustainable democracy. The guild said governments should protect, rather than suppress, independent journalism, which serves the public interest by informing citizens and holding leaders accountable.
The editors' body concluded by expressing solidarity with journalists and media workers in Uganda and urged authorities to reverse the shutdown without delay. It maintained that safeguarding media freedom is essential to preserving democratic accountability, transparency and respect for the rule of law throughout the East African region.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD