Media houses urged to turn sexual harassment policies into action

1 October 2026, 12:08 pm

By Freeman Canogura

Media houses in Northern Uganda have been urged to move beyond having sexual harassment policies on paper and ensure that the policies are understood, accessible and actively implemented in the workplace.

The call was made during a one-day training for media managers, editors and other decision-makers held in Lira City on September 29, 2026.

The training was organised by the Uganda Media Women’s Association, UMWA, as part of efforts to promote safer, more inclusive and respectful workplaces within the media industry.

UMWA Human Rights and Lobbying Officer Doreen Sampa said some media organisations already have policies addressing sexual harassment, but the policies are sometimes not effectively communicated to staff or used when complaints arise.

She urged media managers to review their existing policies, sensitise employees about their rights and responsibilities, and establish clear procedures through which workers can safely report cases of harassment.

The training also focused on the responsibility of managers and editors to respond appropriately when complaints are raised rather than allowing cases to remain unresolved.

UMWA Programme Officer Catherine Apalat said the organisation’s programme is aimed at strengthening media rights, equality and inclusion while improving working conditions for journalists and other media workers.

Participants were also taken through legal provisions relating to workplace protection, including provisions under Uganda’s employment and other relevant laws.

Some media managers who attended the training committed themselves to reviewing their workplace policies and ensuring that staff understand the procedures for reporting and handling sexual harassment complaints.

The initiative comes amid concerns about different forms of harassment in media workplaces, including verbal, physical and online harassment, highlighting the need for media institutions to strengthen prevention and accountability mechanisms.

The training was supported by the Finnish Foundation for Media and Development, Vikes.