UJU Welcomes NMG Reopening, Calls for Better Welfare of Journalists

Osmara Digital Media

KAMPALA, UGANDA – The President of the Uganda Journalists Union (UJU), Ms. Nalule Evelyne, has praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for authorizing the reopening of Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda, calling the move a boost to media operations and journalists' livelihoods.

Ms. Nalule welcomed the return of NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor, Spark TV, KFM, and Dembe FM, saying the decision restored hope among journalists, media workers, and their families affected by the month-long shutdown.

"We appreciate H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for authorizing the resumption of operations of Nation Media Group Uganda. This intervention has restored hope to journalists, media workers, and their dependents who were affected by the shutdown," she said.

She noted that the closure created economic hardships for journalists, technicians, and support staff who depend on their monthly income to support their families.

"Behind every media worker is a family that depends on that income for food, rent, education, healthcare, and other basic needs," Ms. Nalule said.

The UJU President said the media remains a key partner in Uganda's national development and urged continued dialogue between government institutions and media organizations.

"A responsible, professional, and independent media plays a critical role in promoting accountability, transparency, and national development," she said.

Ms. Nalule called for reforms to improve journalists' welfare, urging the government to include media professionals in programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the GROW Project.

She also called for a minimum wage for journalists, saying fair remuneration would improve professionalism and protect media workers from exploitation.

"An economically empowered journalist is better positioned to serve the public with professionalism, independence, and integrity," she said.

Ms. Nalule further urged journalists to uphold ethical standards by ensuring accuracy, balance, fairness, and verification in reporting.

"The reopening of Nation Media Group Uganda should mark a new chapter of cooperation. The media is a partner in national development," she said.

She reaffirmed UJU's commitment to working with government, media owners, and other stakeholders to promote press freedom, improve journalists' welfare, and strengthen responsible journalism in Uganda.