UWMA tips media managers and editors on handling sexual harassment reports

1 October 2026, 7:22 am

By Sarah Ejang and Desire Ocen

The Uganda Women Media Association (UWMA) has raised concern over the high levels of verbal, physical and online sexual harassment faced by women in Uganda after a study done by women in News

According to a report presented by UWMA Programme Coordinator Catherine Apalat, 77 percent of women have experienced verbal sexual harassment, compared to 48 percent of men.

The report also shows that 47 percent of women have experienced physical sexual harassment, compared to 34 percent of men, while 56 percent of women have faced sexual harassment online, compared to 46 percent of men.

Apalat presented the findings during a one-day training on workplace sexual harassment held at Pauline Hotel in Lira City on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The training brought together station managers, news editors and human resource managers from media houses in Northern Uganda

Apalat said the training was part of a four-year project supported by the Finnish Foundation for Media and Development, Vikes.

She said the project was launched after a study conducted in more than ten media houses in Northern Uganda revealed that sexual harassment was taking place in media workplaces but was not being handled effectively.

Apalat said the project aims to promote media rights, equality and inclusion, while improving working conditions for journalists and other media workers.

She added that UWMA is training journalists, managers and editors to improve their understanding of sexual harassment, workplace policies and the laws protecting employees.

Meanwhile, Sampa Doreen, human Right and lobbying officer UWMA, said the organisation had identified several cases of sexual harassment in workplaces.

She said the training was intended to help managers and editors understand the policies and laws governing sexual harassment, as well as the proper procedures for handling reported cases.

Ms.Sampa said the training also focused on helping media houses define sexual harassment, understand its impact and establish effective prevention and response mechanisms.

She expressed hope that media houses would begin implementing policies and laws aimed at preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace.

UWMA says targeting media leaders is crucial in creating safer and more inclusive working environments, particularly for female journalists and other marginalised groups.

The organisation hopes the initiative will strengthen accountability within media institutions and promote workplaces where all employees can work without fear of harassment or discrimination.