By Our Reporter
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has confirmed that the decision to bar journalists from the Nation Media Group (NMG) from covering parliamentary proceedings stems from an ongoing external investigation whose details remain undisclosed.
The development follows mounting criticism from the media fraternity and civil society after NMG journalists were denied access to Parliament on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, a move that mirrors a similar months-long restriction on NMG reporters covering the President of Uganda.
“Yesterday, I promised to cross-check with the Clerk of Parliament on the issue regarding NMG,” Tayebwa said while addressing MPs. “I have been told that there is an active investigation going on, and Parliament is only complying with the investigators. Once the investigation is complete, Parliament will reach out to the affected media houses.”
The Deputy Speaker, however, declined to divulge details about the nature or origin of the probe, saying only that Parliament was cooperating with external authorities.
Mr Tayebwa dismissed suggestions that Parliament was stifling transparency or operating “in secrecy,” emphasising that committee and plenary sessions continue to be broadcast live on UBC TV and shared across digital platforms.
“I also want to clarify that Parliament is not operating in darkness,” he said. “Not being live on one TV channel does not mean we are hiding anything. UBC TV content is freely available for use by any media house.”
He added that Members of Parliament remain free to interact with NMG journalists outside the precincts of Parliament.
The Nation Media Group Uganda, through its Managing Director, Susan Nsibirwa, issued a strongly worded statement condemning both the Parliamentary and Presidential bans as unconstitutional and a direct assault on press freedom and democratic accountability.
“Denying coverage and access to independent media violates the letter and spirit of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, which guarantees freedom of the press, media, and expression,” Nsibirwa said. “Such actions undermine transparency and accountability. We must remember that democracy dies in darkness.”
Nsibirwa further noted that NMG had received no formal communication explaining the reasons for the restrictions, calling the move “arbitrary” and “inconsistent with the principles of fairness and due process.”
During Thursday’s plenary, Acting Leader of the Opposition Jonathan Odur questioned the basis of the investigation and demanded that Parliament clarify its scope, origin, and purpose.
“Whereas I welcome that investigation, Mr Speaker, the nature of the investigation and by whom and for what offense needs to come out clearly,” Odur said. “If this Parliament stopped NMG from coverage, that action affects not just the media but the rights of Members of Parliament themselves. We cannot hide behind a blanket statement that ‘there is an investigation’ without telling the country what is being investigated.”
Odur warned that the continued media blockade undermines public confidence in Parliament and restricts citizens’ access to vital information about legislative business.
The NMG blockade at Parliament follows a broader pattern of restricted media access to state institutions in recent months. Earlier this year, journalists from the same group were barred from covering presidential functions without explanation, prompting outcry from local and international media advocacy bodies.
The latest incident has reignited concerns over shrinking media freedoms in Uganda, with critics warning that silencing critical media undermines transparency and public trust in democratic institutions.
As of press time, neither Parliament nor the investigating authorities had disclosed the nature or timeframe of the alleged investigation.
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