Lawyers in Gulu stress the need to protect journalists during elections

11 December 2025, 2:31 pm

By Joyce Adokorach

In Gulu, lawyers are partnering with journalists to advocate for a peaceful election period amid rising cases of violence against media workers.

During a dialogue organised by KAS4 Democracy and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, lawyers expressed concern over increasing threats to journalists, ranging from tight restrictions on freedom of speech to physical attacks and acts of intimidation.

The legal experts emphasised that journalists play a crucial role in uncovering the truth and should be protected, not targeted.

Advocate Kakaire Sulaiman urged fellow lawyers to offer pro bono services, noting that many journalists cannot afford legal representation.

Another lawyer, Alice Latigo, noted that defending journalists constitutes public-interest litigation that ultimately strengthens democracy. Reporters were encouraged to seek support from the Chapter Four Fund, which provides assistance with legal cases involving journalists.

However, the lawyers also reminded media practitioners to adhere closely to the law to avoid unnecessary legal issues during the election period.