Nation Media Group Condemns Blockade from Covering Parliament, Presidency; Government Cites Misreporting
KAMPALA – The Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda has issued a strong statement condemning what it describes as a “growing cancer of intolerance,” after its journalists were blocked from covering the Parliament of Uganda on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. This action follows a months-long blockade from covering the activities of President Yoweri Museveni.
In a public statement signed by Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa, the media group expressed “deep concern” over the decision, highlighting a lack of formal communication explaining the reasons for the ban. NMG stated it has been denied the “right of reply or due process,” as it has not been informed of any specific contraventions committed by its journalists.
“The Presidency and Parliament are public institutions funded by taxpayers and accountable to the citizens,” the statement read. “Denying coverage and access to independent media violates the letter and spirit of the Constitution of Uganda which guarantees freedom of the press, media and expression.”
NMG argued that such actions undermine accountability, transparency, and good governance by denying citizens the right to know what their elected leaders are doing. The group also noted that its journalists have recently been targets of “repression and violence,” citing incidents during the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election in March 2025 and the ongoing presidential campaigns.
In a firm rebuttal, the Presidential Press Unit (PPU) moved to “set the record straight” on the social media platform X. The PPU clarified that President Museveni specifically stopped NMG from covering him as an individual due to “persistent instances of misreporting.”
The PPU cited one such instance in Kisozi when the President hosted Members of Parliament on a Wealth Creation tour, alleging that the event was misreported. The PPU emphasized that the President did not ban NMG from operating in Uganda or from covering other government institutions.
“President @KagutaMuseveni cannot infringe on Constitutional provisions (on free media) when he was the one who oversaw the return to Constitutionalism and rule of law, and is the most media-friendly person,” the PPU statement asserted. It added that the PPU continues to provide press releases, which NMG is free to use.
Despite the Presidency’s blockade since March, NMG affirmed its commitment to “bold and thoughtful journalism” and its watchdog role of holding power accountable. The group vowed not to abdicate this responsibility and to continue defending media freedoms and the constitutional bill of rights.
The standoff highlights escalating tensions between the Ugandan government and a major independent media house, raising critical questions about press freedom, accountability, and the interpretation of constitutional rights in the East African nation.
As NMG implored state institutions to heed the constitution, it concluded with a stark reminder: “democracy dies in darkness.”
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