“We Will Not Sacrifice Our Journalists”: NMG Fires Back at Pressure to Fire Editors in Uganda Media Row

A dispute involving Nation Media Group has escalated after veteran journalist Wafula Oguttu insisted the company will not dismiss managers or editors to meet alleged demands linked to the reopening of its Ugandan operations.

Speaking during a radio interview, Oguttu said staff should not be used as bargaining chips in negotiations surrounding the disruption of operations at Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda. He stressed that the media house remains committed to independent journalism and will not abandon its editorial principles under pressure.

The standoff follows weeks of uncertainty after the shutdown of Nation Media Group Uganda operations, which affected print, broadcast, and digital services. Government officials have maintained that the actions are tied to a security-led inquiry, while reports suggest concerns were raised about editorial direction and management structures.

Oguttu warned that forcing leadership changes or staff dismissals would undermine press freedom and set a dangerous precedent. He also highlighted the wider economic impact, noting that the suspension of operations affects journalists, vendors, advertisers, and other workers dependent on the media house.

As talks continue behind closed doors, the dispute has intensified national debate over media freedom, state authority, and the future of independent journalism in Uganda