East African women journalists’ groups demand reopening of NTV, The Monitor

Kampala, July 21, 2026 — Media women associations from across East Africa have expressed solidarity with Ugandan journalists following the shutdown of NTV and The Monitor, calling on the government to restore their broadcasting and publishing rights.

In a joint statement issued by the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA), Ethiopia Media Women’s Association, and Tanzania Association of Media Women, the groups said the closures undermine press freedom and threaten democratic values in the region.

The associations warned that restrictions on media operations increase vulnerabilities faced by women journalists, including harassment, intimidation, and limited access to information.

“Freedom of the press is non-negotiable. It is a cornerstone of democracy and accountability,” the statement read.

The groups urged the Ugandan government to uphold constitutional guarantees on freedom of expression, engage with media stakeholders, and create a safe working environment for journalists.

They also called on regional bodies, including the African Union and East African Community, to support press freedom and gender equality in the media sector.

The associations reaffirmed their commitment to defending the rights, safety, and leadership of women journalists across East Africa.