BWANIKA JOSEPH: It is not NMG they are fighting, It is the truth

The recent siege, shut down and pressure directed at Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda have sparked an important national conversation about the relationship between state power and independent institutions. Public attention has understandably focused on the media house and its leadership. In my view, however, the bigger issue is not NMG itself. It is the enduring contest between power and truth.

A professional newsroom exists for one principal reason, to gather, verify and publish information that is in the public interest. That responsibility is rarely comfortable for those in authority.

Governments everywhere prefer favourable headlines, yet the role of journalism has never been to protect governments from criticism. Its responsibility is to protect the public’s right to know.

Uganda’s democratic journey has been marked by both achievements and serious challenges. Currently the public debate has increasingly centered on concerns about civic freedoms, increasing abductions, arbitrary arrests, torture, restrictions on political activity and the growing pressure placed upon independent institutions. These concerns have been raised by citizens, lawyers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and international human rights bodies.

Whether government officials agree with every report is beside the point. A constitutional democracy is strengthened when such concerns are answered through transparency and lawful accountability rather than pressure on institutions that report them.

The greatest danger for any government is not criticism. It is becoming convinced that criticism itself is the enemy. Nations seldom decline because people speak freely, they decline when leaders refuse to listen.

Every administration makes mistakes. The difference between strong governments and weak ones lies in whether they acknowledge those mistakes and correct them or attempt to silence those who expose them.

History shows a remarkable consistent lesson that no government has secured a lasting victory by turning its power against its own citizens. Military force may impose temporary order. Political influence may reshape institutions for a season.

Fear may silence individuals for a time. But none of these has ever permanently defeated public opinion or extinguished the human desire for justice, dignity and accountable leadership. And therefore, silencing the messengers will never silence the massage.

This is why what has happened around NMG should concern every Ugandan, regardless of political affiliation. If an independent media institution can be pressured because of the stories it publishes, then the issue extends beyond journalism. It becomes a question about the resilience of every independent institution in the country.

The Constitution envisions institutions that serve the nation, not personalities. Their independence is essential because it protects the public from arbitrary power.

To Ms. Suzan Nsibirwa the MD and the journalists, editors and staff of Nation Media Group Uganda, I offer my appreciation for the difficult responsibility that accompanies professional journalism. Editors are not appointed to satisfy governments or opposition politicians.

Their duty is to ensure that facts are carefully verified, ethical standards are upheld and citizens receive reliable information. Public confidence in journalism depends upon that commitment.

Justice may sometimes appear delayed, but history repeatedly demonstrates that institutions and decisions are never beyond review. Time often becomes the final court before which every exercise of power is judged.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, your office as Chief of Defence Forces carries extraordinary responsibility.

Military leadership earns lasting respect not simply through operational effectiveness but through unwavering respect for constitutional governance and civilian institutions.

A strong military protects the nation; it should never be perceived as replacing or overshadowing the institutions upon which constitutional democracy depends.

Leadership is ultimately measured not by the ability to command obedience but by the willingness to tolerate scrutiny. Those who welcome accountability strengthen their legacy.

Those who suppress it may achieve temporary compliance, but they rarely secure enduring respect. Every generation leaves behind a record by which history evaluates its leaders.

The Country deserves institutions that are independent enough to question authority, journalists who can report without fear and leaders confident enough to answer criticism with facts rather than intimidation.

These are not signs of national weakness. They are the hallmarks of a mature and confident republic.

“He who shows himself at every place will someday look for a place to hide.” African proverb!

Power is temporary. Truth is resilient. Institutions endure only when they are defended, and nations prosper only when leaders recognise that criticism is not an act of betrayal but an opportunity to build a more just, accountable and united country.

The Author is a social development specialist and CEO Bridge your mind centre

Email; bwani.jose@gmail.com

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