President Yoweri Museveni has reportedly banned all journalists from the Nation Media Group (NMG) from covering his public events, and State House has now confirmed that the order came directly from him.
The affected media outlets under NMG include Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, and 93.3 KFM. Sources say that since March this year, reporters from these stations have been blocked from attending any of the President’s functions.
According to State House Deputy Spokesperson Farouk Kirunda, the move was a personal decision by President Museveni after several cases of what he called “misreporting” about his activities.
Kirunda mentioned one of the incidents that angered the President happened in Kisozi, where Museveni hosted Members of Parliament on a Wealth Creation Tour, but the coverage from NMG reportedly misrepresented what happened.
“NMG management is aware of these issues and they were informed about them,” Kirunda said.
He, however, added that the President didn’t completely block NMG from all government work, saying they are still free to cover other government institutions and receive press statements from the Presidential Press Unit (PPU).
Kirunda also defended Museveni, saying he can’t go against the Constitution that protects free media because he’s “the most media-friendly person” and a champion of constitutional rule.
In reaction, Susan Nsibiwa, the Managing Director of NMG Uganda, released a tough statement expressing her “deep concern” over the ban.
She revealed that the blockade started in March 2025 but has now extended to Parliament, after their journalists were stopped from covering proceedings on Tuesday, 28th October 2025.
Nsibiwa said the company never received any official communication about the ban and that denying them a right of reply or fair hearing goes against the 1995 Constitution.
“The Presidency and Parliament are public institutions funded by taxpayers. Stopping media from covering them kills accountability and denies citizens the right to information,” Nsibiwa said
She added that NMG will continue doing its job of holding leaders accountable and will not be intimidated or silenced.
The issue has already reached Parliament, and MPs have demanded an explanation from the Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, about why NMG reporters are being sidelined.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa also promised to personally reach out to Nsibiwa and help resolve the ongoing standoff between NMG and the Presidency.
Stay tuned for more updates here.