Media Freedom Under Siege: Nation Media Group Defies Blockade in Uganda

Kampala, Uganda – October 29, 2025

A storm is brewing between Uganda’s independent press and state institutions after the Nation Media Group–Uganda (NMG-U) issued a strongly worded statement condemning the government’s decision to block its journalists from covering parliamentary proceedings. The restriction, announced on October 28, 2025, comes months after a similar blockade barred NMG reporters from covering the President of Uganda.

In the statement titled “Media Freedom is Unstoppable,” NMG expressed “deep concern” over what it described as a growing intolerance toward independent journalism and a “restriction of media freedom.” The company said there has been no formal communication from Parliament or the Presidency explaining the reasons behind the bans, nor any indication that its journalists violated any rules warranting such action.

“We have not been informed of any contraventions that we or our journalists might have committed and have therefore been denied the right of reply or due process,” the statement read.

The media group stressed that press freedom is not a privilege granted by the state, but a constitutional right enshrined in the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, which guarantees freedom of expression, media, and access to information.

“These rights are not favours,” NMG stated. “They are at the heart of the rule of law and the good manners upon which free and democratic societies are built.”

NMG argued that by blocking journalists from covering the President and Parliament—two public institutions funded by taxpayers—the government is not only violating constitutional freedoms but also denying citizens their right to know what their leaders are doing in their name.

“It undermines accountability, transparency, and good governance,” the group warned.

The standoff highlights a wider struggle between the Ugandan government and the independent press. Since early 2025, NMG journalists have reportedly faced harassment, intimidation, and even violence. The statement cited an incident during the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election in March 2025, where NMG reporters were allegedly targeted.

The group described the growing hostility as a “cancer of intolerance” that threatens Uganda’s democratic foundations.

Despite the obstacles, NMG vowed to remain steadfast in its mission to serve the public through responsible journalism that “informs, educates, and entertains.”“We shall not abdicate our responsibility to do bold and thoughtful journalism,” the statement declared.

“We shall continue to defend media freedoms and the bill of rights guaranteed by our Constitution.”

In her closing remarks, Susan Nsibirwa, Managing Director of Nation Media Group Uganda, urged both the Presidency and Parliament to respect the constitutional right to access information.

“We should always remember that democracy dies in darkness,” Nsibirwa cautioned.