Military raid shuts down Nation Media Group operations in Uganda affecting Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, Dembe FM & The East African

Operations at several of Uganda’s leading media houses were disrupted Sunday after armed soldiers deployed at key broadcast and newspaper facilities linked to Nation Media Group in what observers described as an unprecedented security crackdown on independent media.

The headquarters of Daily Monitor in Namuwongo remained under military guard throughout Sunday morning, with soldiers controlling movement around the premises as journalists and staff attempted to access offices.

A similar military presence was reported at the Serena Hotel broadcast centre in Kampala, home to NTV Uganda and Spark TV. Witnesses said television transmission was interrupted shortly after midnight after armed personnel entered the facility.

Other outlets reportedly affected by the operation included Dembe FM, KFM and The EastAfrican.

The military action followed statements attributed to Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, who allegedly directed the closure of Nation Media Group Uganda platforms.

No official statement had been issued by either the Uganda People’s Defence Forces or government authorities explaining the legal grounds for the deployment by Sunday afternoon.

The incident immediately sparked concern among journalists, lawyers and civil society organisations, with critics arguing that the use of military force against media organisations represents a serious escalation in tensions between the state and independent press institutions.

Uganda has previously faced international criticism over media restrictions, particularly during politically sensitive periods and election cycles. Sunday’s developments are likely to intensify scrutiny over the country’s record on freedom of expression and access to information.