The Nation Media Group–Uganda (NMG) has expressed deep concern over the decision to block its journalists from covering proceedings at the Parliament of Uganda on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
In a strongly worded statement, NMG Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa said the action follows months of restrictions on the Group’s journalists from covering the President of Uganda, without any formal communication or explanation.
“There has been no formal communication to explain the reasons behind this blockade. We have not been informed of any contraventions that we or our journalists might have committed and have therefore been denied the right of reply or due process,” Nsibirwa stated.
She emphasized that these rights are not privileges but constitutional guarantees under the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, which enshrines freedom of the press and expression as key pillars of democracy and the rule of law.
Nsibirwa further noted that both the Presidency and Parliament are public institutions funded by taxpayers and accountable to citizens, adding that denying access to the independent media undermines transparency and good governance.
“Denying coverage and access to independent media violates the letter and spirit of the Constitution of Uganda. It also denies citizens the right to know what their elected leaders are doing in their name,” she said.
Despite facing restrictions since March 2025, Nsibirwa affirmed that Nation Media Group remains committed to its mandate of informing, educating, and entertaining the public, and will continue to uphold the watchdog role of the press.
“We shall not abdicate our responsibility to do bold and thoughtful journalism and to hold those in power accountable. We shall continue to defend media freedoms and the Bill of Rights guaranteed by our Constitution. Democracy dies in darkness,” she concluded.
Parliament Responds as UPPA Seeks Dialogue
Meanwhile, Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo has asked Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to update Parliament on the circumstances that led to the blocking of Nation Media Group journalists from accessing the House.
Ssekikubo’s request follows Tayebwa’s earlier pledge to consult the relevant authorities and report back to the House on the matter.
At the same time, the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) President Samuel Ibanda Mugabi has written to the Director of Communications and Public Affairs (CPA), Chris Obore, seeking a meeting with the Parliamentary administration to resolve the impasse.
“We have received several calls from the media and concerned individuals after reports that journalists attached to NMG, particularly from Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda, were blocked from accessing Parliament. We believe open communication can resolve this matter,” Ibanda wrote.
Responding to the issue on the floor of Parliament, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa confirmed that he would reach out to the Nation Media Group’s Managing Director to find a resolution.
“I received a message from the Head of Nation Media, Madam Nsibirwa. I will call her to get the facts and crosscheck with the Clerk on what might have happened,” Tayebwa said.
The Deputy Speaker added that he remains committed to addressing the issue once he receives full details from the concerned offices.
