Uganda’s Silenced Voices: A History of Media Houses Forced Off Air

For decades, Uganda’s media landscape has experienced periods of growth, resilience, and government crackdowns. While many media houses have closed because of financial challenges, others have been suspended or shut down by state authorities over political, security, or regulatory disputes.

The latest incident occurred on June 28, 2026, when security forces sealed off the premises of Nation Media Group Uganda following public directives by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The operation forced NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Daily Monitor, KFM, and Dembe FM off air, marking one of the largest coordinated shutdowns of independent media outlets in Uganda’s recent history.

Major Media Houses Shut Down or Suspended by Government

CBS FM – Closed in September 2009 following the Buganda Kingdom riots. The station remained off air for approximately 13 months before resuming operations in October 2010.

Suubi FM – Switched off in September 2009 during the Buganda riots and later allowed back on air after several weeks.

Radio Sapientia – Suspended in September 2009 over its coverage of the Buganda unrest before returning to broadcasting weeks later.

Radio Akaboozi – Also switched off in September 2009 alongside other stations accused of violating broadcasting regulations.

Daily Monitor, KFM and Dembe FM – Police raided and sealed the Nation Media Group premises in May 2013 over the publication of the alleged “Muhoozi Project” letter. Operations resumed after about 10 days.

Red Pepper Publications – Closed in May 2013 during the same operation targeting Monitor Publications before later reopening.

NTV Uganda – Shortly after its launch in 2007, the station was briefly taken off air following government complaints about its news coverage.

Nation Media Group Uganda outlets – On June 28, 2026, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Daily Monitor, KFM, Dembe FM and related platforms were forced off air following military deployment to the company’s premises.

Media Houses That Ceased Operations Mainly Due to Financial or Business Reasons

• WBS TV – Ceased broadcasting in 2013 after years of financial difficulties.
• Several regional radio stations across Uganda have also closed over the years due to financial constraints, licensing issues, or ownership disputes.

A Continuing Debate

Uganda today has more than 300 licensed radio stations, dozens of television stations, newspapers, and digital news platforms. However, the relationship between the media and the state has remained contentious, with periods of openness often interrupted by regulatory action, suspensions, and security interventions. Press freedom advocates argue that independent journalism is essential for accountability, while government officials have frequently defended closures on grounds of national security, public order, or violations of broadcasting regulations.

From the shutdown of CBS FM in 2009 to the raid on Nation Media Group in 2026, Uganda’s media history reflects an ongoing struggle between press freedom and state authority—one that continues to shape the country’s democratic and information landscape.