The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has told Ugandans and media stakeholders calling for the reopening of Daily Monitor and NTV that the Commission does not have the authority to directly resolve the matter, urging them to engage the relevant government authorities.
UCC said the continued suspension of Nation Media Group (NMG) operations is not a simple regulatory issue that can be handled through its normal procedures, but a matter involving other government stakeholders.
The Commission explained that it received concerns from broadcasters through the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), seeking discussions over the closure of NMG’s broadcast platforms.
In response, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said consultations regarding the matter were already being handled by relevant government agencies and that the Commission would provide updates when more information becomes available.
The regulator’s position has caused debate among members of the public and media practitioners, with some questioning why UCC, as the communications industry regulator, cannot independently order the reopening of the affected outlets.
UCC maintained that the situation surrounding NMG’s operations is linked to a security-related inquiry and therefore requires engagement with authorities handling the investigation.
The Commission referred broadcasters to earlier remarks by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, who stated that the disruption of NMG services followed a security-led process.
According to UCC, government agencies are continuing discussions with the affected media organisation as efforts continue to find a way forward.
The response has been viewed by some observers as an indication that the reopening of Daily Monitor and NTV may depend on decisions from senior government officials rather than the communications regulator.
Some media stakeholders had expected UCC to provide a clear process through which the dispute could be addressed and broadcasting operations restored.
However, the Commission said its role is limited and that the matter requires intervention from authorities with responsibility over the ongoing security concerns.
The closure of NMG outlets has attracted public attention because of the importance of Daily Monitor and NTV as major platforms for news, information and public debate in Uganda.
Journalists, media organisations and members of the public have continued calling for clarity regarding the reasons behind the shutdown and the conditions required for reopening.
Those supporting the reopening of the outlets have argued that access to information and independent journalism are important elements of a functioning society.
They have urged all parties involved to engage in dialogue and find a solution that protects both national interests and the role of the media.
Meanwhile, government officials have maintained that security concerns must be addressed and that relevant processes should be allowed to continue before any final decisions are made.
The development has raised questions about the relationship between media regulation, government oversight and security considerations in Uganda.
UCC has insisted that it remains committed to regulating the communications sector but said some matters fall outside its direct powers.
Broadcasters are now waiting for further communication from government authorities and NMG as discussions over the reopening of the affected outlets continue.
The situation has also increased public interest in the role of institutions responsible for regulating media operations and protecting communication services.
As Ugandans await a resolution, attention remains focused on whether further engagements between NMG and government officials will lead to the return of Daily Monitor and NTV services.
For now, UCC says it cannot make the final decision on reopening the outlets, leaving the matter in the hands of the authorities currently handling the discussions.
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