Four weeks after the forced closure of Nation Media Group (NMG) operations in Uganda, pressure is mounting on authorities as legal and media stakeholders warn of a deepening crisis in the country’s information space.
Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde has delivered one of the strongest rebukes yet, describing the ongoing shutdown as a “blackout” that has crippled independent journalism.
“Four weeks since NMG Uganda was shut down. The media landscape? Paralyzed,” Ssemakadde said in a sharply worded statement.
Media Silence Sparks Concern
The shutdown, ordered on June 28 by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, forced major outlets including NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor, and Spark TV off air. Security forces sealed NMG premises in Kampala, halting both broadcast and print operations.
While some digital publishing has continued, the absence of major independent broadcasters has significantly reduced access to diverse news sources across Uganda.
Ssemakadde argues the impact goes beyond a single media house.
“This is a blackout plain and simple. No stories. No context. Just silence,” he stated.
Self-Censorship Fears Rise
The ULS president warned that the shutdown has triggered widespread self-censorship among remaining media outlets, as journalists and editors grow increasingly cautious.
“Self-censorship is now the law of the land. Our media scratch the surface, feeding us state-sanctioned crumbs while the real truths stay buried,” he added.
Media analysts say such an environment often leads to weakened public scrutiny, particularly on governance, security, and corruption issues.
Legal and Constitutional Questions
Ssemakadde further framed the shutdown as a violation of constitutional protections on freedom of expression and media independence.
“A constitutional travesty. A democratic disgrace. And a damn pity,” he said.
His remarks echo concerns raised by regional and international watchdogs, which have called on Ugandan authorities to restore operations and provide clear justification for the closure.