Journalists called to defend truth ahead of 2026 polls

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Ugandan journalists are increasingly seen as resilient yet underpaid professionals who often face physical threats in the course of their work. As they begin reporting on key issues ahead of the 2026 general elections, calls are growing for stronger support in upholding journalistic integrity.

Experts are urging media practitioners, regulators, and advocates to push back against a surge in public mistrust, deepening political divisions, and declining press freedoms.

Paul Ekochu, chairperson of the Uganda Media Council, acknowledged the worsening conditions for journalists—from low pay to physical danger—and appealed to them to stay committed to the pursuit of truth.

This was during the World Press Freedom Day celebrations held on May 6, 2025, at Makerere University. The event was hosted by Makerere University’s Department of Journalism and Communication in partnership with the Uganda Media Sector Working Group. The theme of the event was: ‘Defending truth in the age of polarisation and distrust’.

Veteran journalists Drake Ssekaba and Dr Zadok Ekimwere received lifetime achievement awards for their decades-long contribution to journalism and press freedom. (Photo by John Odyek)

“The truth must be defended against those who want to stifle it. The first point of defence is the journalists themselves. When journalists go to the frontline, they are pursuing the truth,” Ekochu said.

Ekochu cited persistent issues such as low wages and inadequate training, noting that these can compromise journalistic quality. “The quality of journalism must be defended in the newsroom,” he said. He added that the Media Council has initiated countrywide training on issues such as elections and security.

He condemned recent violence against journalists, calling it both a physical and intellectual assault. “When we see a battered journalist, we feel aggrieved.”

Ekochu warned of a media landscape flooded with misinformation and diminishing public trust. “Telling the truth requires wisdom and sensitivity,” he said. He criticised the “big man syndrome” culture that elevates those in power over ordinary citizens.

Veteran journalists Drake Ssekaba and Dr Zadok Ekimwere received lifetime achievement awards for their decades-long contribution to journalism and press freedom.

During a panel discussion on “Media, elections and security in Uganda”, Julius Mucunguzi, spokesperson for the Electoral Commission, said that the accreditation of journalists to cover the upcoming 2026 elections was not intended to lock out some journalists or restrict coverage, but to ensure professionalism.

Mucunguzi warned of rising political violence driven by candidates burdened with campaign debts. “When people take loans to run, they will do anything to win, including violence against the Electoral Commission and the media,” Mucunguzi explained.

Julius Tumusiime, the chairperson of the Rural Broadcasters Association, decried poor pay at rural stations—sh2,000–3,000 per story—and the political control of media houses. Journalists in rural areas are surviving on handouts from politicians. We need public funds to support upcountry radios, and the funds should come through the districts,” Tumusiime said.

In a keynote address on the topic ‘Defending truth in an age of polarisation and mistrust in the context of media and elections’, lawyer Phillip Karugaba honoured Uganda’s “scarred but resilient” journalists, describing them as democracy’s frontline defenders.

Citing the violent Kawempe North by-election, he warned of a deepening crisis in Uganda’s democracy. He noted that only 26% of Ugandans trust the Electoral Commission, 65% view the media as government-controlled, and inflated party figures breed suspicion.

Karugaba argued that while healthy political disagreement is natural, unchecked mistrust and apathy threaten democracy. He called on journalists to verify facts, report ethically, and rebuild trust through shared national narratives.

He proposed three urgent actions: accountability—to investigate and punish attacks on journalists; empowerment—to support journalists with resources, legal protection, and safety training; and unity—to foster national solidarity with the media and protect freedom of expression.

He said that media freedom does not just serve journalists; it serves democracy, and without it, informed participation is impossible. “Media freedom supports the right to political participation by informing citizens, fostering debate and scrutinising elections. Without it, the right to vote or engage in governance is undermined by misinformation or censorship,” Karugaba said.

Joanna Nakabiito from the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda condemned military brutality against journalists during the Kawempe North by-election. Nakabiito said that the misuse of the military during elections is dangerous.