Journalists trained on reporting about special interest groups

8 July 2025, 8:43 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has conducted a half-day training session for journalists from various districts, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to report on Special Interest Groups (SIGs). The training aimed to enhance journalists’ capacity to provide accurate and informative coverage of SIGs, especially as the Electoral Commission prepares to organise SIG elections nationwide.

In his opening remarks, Electoral Commission Spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi emphasised the crucial role journalists play in disseminating information to the public. He encouraged journalists to be discerning in their reporting, providing accurate and unbiased information to their audiences.

“The media plays a vital role in shaping public opinion and informing citizens about the activities of Special Interest Groups,” Mucunguzi said. He added, “We urge journalists to be objective and balanced in their reporting, providing citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions.”

The training covered various aspects of reporting on SIGs, including understanding the role and functions of SIGs, identifying and tracking SIG activities, and maintaining objectivity and independence in reporting.

Journalists who attended the training expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge in reporting on Special Interest Groups (SIGs). They pledged to provide accurate and informative coverage of SIG activities, contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry. As the Electoral Commission prepares to organise SIG elections, the training is both timely and relevant, empowering journalists to deliver comprehensive coverage of the electoral process.

Patricia Awor, representing the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, thanked the media for attending the training and urged them to be transparent in their reporting. “You are very important people. We want you to report accurately as you carry out your work, especially regarding the commission’s activities,” she said.

Kayondo Abubaker, representative of the legal department, reminded journalists that all the laws applied in the last elections have been revised. These include the Electoral Commission Act (Act 176), Parliamentary laws of Uganda, the Local Government Act, among others.