UMWA holds two-day training to equip young journalists for election coverage

19 August 2025, 9:20 pm

By Sarah Ejang

UMWA and Mama FM, with support from the Finnish Foundation for Media and Development, have initiated a two-day training programme from 19–20 August 2025 at Paulina Hotel in Lira City. The training is aimed at enhancing the skills of young journalists from the Lango, Acholi, and Karamoja regions in responsible election reporting.

This initiative builds on earlier sessions conducted in Kampala and Western Uganda, as part of UMWA’s broader mission to equip media professionals with the necessary tools to promote peaceful and transparent elections.

Led by UMWA’s Project Coordinator, Ms Catherine Apalat, the training emphasises a comprehensive understanding of election laws, electoral processes, and safety protocols.

She noted that many young journalists lack adequate skills in reporting on electoral processes in Uganda—something that undermines both their safety and security during elections.

Through interactive sessions, participants are being prepared to navigate the complexities of election coverage while upholding standards of accuracy, ethics, and personal safety.

In addition, UMWA is committed to fostering inclusive media development by providing post-training support to 15 female journalists, empowering them to produce high-quality election-related content that will contribute to informed and balanced reporting ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.