The Presidency of Uganda has clarified that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s decision to bar Nation Media Group (NMG) from covering his personal events applies only to the president himself, and does not prevent NMG from reporting on other government activities or institutions.
The clarification was issued by Faruk Kirunda, the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization and Deputy Spokesperson, via his official social media account.
Kirunda explained that the move followed ‘persistent instances of misreporting’ on the president, including a notable incident during a Wealth Creation tour in Kisozi with Members of Parliament.
“President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni stopped NMG (parent company of Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, and 93.3 KFM) from covering him as an individual after persistent instances of misreporting,” Kirunda stated.
“NMG was previously made aware of these problematic instances, yet the issues continued.”
Despite the restriction on presidential coverage, Kirunda emphasized that NMG is free to report on other government institutions. He also defended the president’s commitment to media freedom.
“The President did not stop NMG from working in Uganda or covering other Government institutions. In fact, the Presidential Press Unit continues to share press releases with NMG and appreciates their use,” Kirunda said.
“President Museveni cannot infringe on constitutional provisions on free media. He oversaw the return to constitutionalism and rule of law and remains one of the most media-friendly leaders,” he added.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) responded strongly to NMG’s blocking from covering Parliament, describing it as ‘a direct affront to press freedom.’
NAB emphasized that journalism is a constitutionally guaranteed right and a vital pillar of democracy, particularly during an election season.
“The media’s role is to inform citizens and hold power to account. This sometimes involves reporting that may be perceived as critical, but these checks and balances are essential for transparency and good governance,” NAB stated.
Following the parliamentary ban, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa addressed the House on Wednesday, 29th October, 2025, announcing plans to mediate the situation.
“I received a message from the Head of the Nation Media Sue Nsibirwa. I will call her, get the facts, and cross-check with the Clerk to Parliament. I have not called her back yet because of pending business this morning,” Tayebwa told MPs.
The incident highlights a persistent tension between state authority and independent media in Uganda, a dynamic that continues to test the limits of press freedom even amid official commitments to uphold democratic reporting standards.
