East Africa: Museveni Authorises Resumption of Nation Media Group Operations in Uganda

What the report says

AllAfrica reported on 29 July 2026 that President Yoweri Museveni has authorised Nation Media Group to resume operations in Uganda, bringing to an end a shutdown that had lasted about a month. The development concerns one of East Africa’s major independent media companies and was announced through a statement issued in Dar es Salaam.

According to the report, the statement framed the decision as significant for regional investment, media development and East African cooperation. Taifa Group, through its subsidiary Taarifa Limited, is described as the majority shareholder of NMG. Taifa Group chairman Rostam Azizi welcomed Museveni’s authorisation and also acknowledged Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, for his role during the engagement that preceded the reopening.

Azizi said Taifa Group supports NMG’s stated commitment to independent, balanced and responsible journalism, and linked professional media to governance, development and regional integration. NMG chairman Joe Muganda said the company’s next task would be to restore its presence in Uganda, reconnect with audiences and rebuild its contribution to the country’s media sector across print, broadcast and digital platforms.

The report did not provide the stated reason for the shutdown or details of any conditions attached to the resumption. The decision matters because NMG’s return affects Uganda’s media landscape and a regional media business with cross-border ownership and operations, while also touching on broader questions of investment, press activity and political engagement in East Africa.