Journalists urged to master election laws and regulations ahead of 2026 polls

11 August 2025, 11:09 am

BY Mosh Ddamba

As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, the Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA), with support from the Finnish Foundation for Media and Development (VIKES), has organised a three-day capacity-building workshop on election reporting, safety, and security for journalists. The training aims to enhance journalists’ knowledge, equip them with practical skills, and ensure their safety while covering the election process.

Speaking at the workshop, UMWA’s Birungi Rebecca emphasised the importance of understanding election-related laws and regulations to ensure accuracy and credibility in reporting.

“As a journalist covering elections, it is vital to be familiar with laws such as the Computer Misuse Act, the Electoral Commission Act of 1997, and the Public Order Management Act,” Birungi said. “Having these laws at your fingertips ensures your stories are factual and credible.”

She also highlighted the Incitement to Violence law, which carries a penalty of up to 14 years’ imprisonment, urging journalists to educate themselves to avoid legal pitfalls.

Apalat Catherine, the project coordinator, explained that the one-year ‘Women in Media’ initiative seeks to promote diversity, inclusivity, and quality journalism that reaches wider audiences, including marginalised communities.

“This training will empower five female journalists from Kampala and the central region with small grants to facilitate the production of well-researched election stories,” she said.

Mandevu Johns from Luweero Online Radio shared his personal experience of being instructed by his employer to broadcast false news about the death of musician Vincent Ssegawa.

“I later found out it was untrue, but by then it was too late to correct it. I suffered a loss of credibility,” Johns said.

Building on this, facilitator Ndagire Laila reminded participants that journalists are influential stakeholders in the electoral process and must be cautious to avoid misinformation and disinformation.

“Even if the instructions come from your boss, refuse to publish false information,” Laila advised. “You will be the one held accountable, and your credibility will be at stake. Remember, you are the bridge between the electoral process and the public.”

She also stressed that election reporting is a unique and often high-risk assignment, urging journalists to take safety precautions such as carrying first aid kits, identifying nearby health centres, and planning escape routes at election venues.

Ndagire Lilian from Tiger FM spoke about the importance of digital safety, noting that before the training, she had underestimated the need to protect her online presence.

“Hackers often target our social media accounts, which can expose sensitive information, including confidential sources. I’ve now learned how to create strong passwords and avoid suspicious links or emails. I feel safer online,” Lilian said.

The workshop brought together journalists from various media outlets in Kampala and the central region, including Radio One, Tiger FM, Mama FM, Gugudde TV, and UBC.