2026 polls: UCC warns editors against fake news
“Misinformation and disinformation not only erode public trust in the media but also undermine democracy, distort public perception and hinder informed decision-making,” Atengo said.
Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama speaking at Uganda Editor's Guild at Mestil in Kampala on Thursday. (Photos by Isaac Nuwagaba)
Isaac Nuwagaba
Journalist @New Vision
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The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a stern warning to editors and media outlets regarding the spread of fake news and misinformation as Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections.
This warning comes amidst rising concerns over the impact of false information on national security and social stability.
According to UCC executive director Thembo Nyombi, who was represented by UCC director legal affairs secretary Susan M Atengo, some broadcasters are spreading hatred, fuelling violence and threatening national security through their content.
Arthur Baguma, the editor for New Vision and the editor UBC Radio Juliet Naiga attending Uganda Editors' Guild.
While speaking at the opening of the third two-day Annual Convention 2024/2025, Atengo cautioned against economic sabotage and extortion, emphasizing the need for responsible and ethical journalism.
“Misinformation and disinformation not only erode public trust in the media but also undermine democracy, distort public perception and hinder informed decision-making,” she said.
“Media outlets are obligated to ensure the accuracy and truthfulness of the information they disseminate. I am speaking about an alarming identical and fraternal paternal twin of misinformation and disinformation which present a disaster in Uganda,” Atengo added.
Beware of what you consume
In a related statement, Atengo warned the public to be cautious when consuming information on social media, highlighting its potential to spread false information quickly.
Some editors attending Uganda Editors' Guild at Mestil Hotel in Kampala on Thursday.
“Fake news thrives in the digital space, where social media platforms and online networks rapidly amplify and disseminate content, often without verification,” she informed.
In some cases, digital algorithms prioritise sensational content over factual reporting, making it even more difficult for the public to discern credible sources from unreliable ones, Atengo observed.
Byabakama condemns Kawempe North election violence
Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama at the same event strongly condemned the violence that has marred the Kawempe North election campaigns that he said can easily plunge the country into chaos and anarchy.
“The manner in which the Joint Anti-terrorist Taskforce (JATT) security team and the Police are handling candidates and supporters is condemned and unacceptable," he added.
“Beating journalists in line of duty is a complete test on Uganda’s democratic values and I appeal to security to exercise maximum respect and devise other means of engaging in legal or illegal protests,” Byabakama advised.
Electoral Commission chairperson, Simon Byabakama and the Africa Union Media Fellowship director, David Mukhooli arriving to attend Uganda Editors' Guild convention. 
Byabakama, however, urged political actors to avoid acts of provocation that could lead to clashes with security personnel and emphasized the need for a peaceful and lawful electoral process.
“I am going to meet top leaders of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party to harmonise on how they handle their campaigns to stop confrontations with the security detail,” he assured.
Commercialisation of Uganda’s politics killing democracy
Byabakama also expressed concerns over the heavy monetisation of the electoral process, which he believes undermines democracy.
He warned candidates against commercializing elections and voter bribery, emphasizing that such practices discredit Uganda's democracy record and are punishable by law.
“This undermines the integrity of the electoral process. Our democracy should not appear to be put on the auction through repeated acts of commercialisation and this is where we need journalists to report and expose,” he noted.
EC has been working closely with the police to ensure a peaceful and lawful electoral process but asked all political actors to adhere to the laws and guidelines issued by the EC and to exercise maximum restraint during campaigns and voting.
Byabakama's comments come ahead of the Kawempe North byelections, scheduled for March 13, where voters will elect a new Member of Parliament to replace the late Muhammad Ssegirinya.