EC calls for credible SIG election coverage by media

KAMPALA - In a bid to enhance the quality and credibility of election coverage ahead of the 2025/2026 general elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) has trained over 180 journalists on Uganda’s Special Interest Group (SIG) elections. 

Reporters and editors from print, broadcast, and digital media platforms attended the session, which took place on July 8, 2025, at Hotel Africana in Kampala, aimed to deepen understanding of the legal frameworks, procedural intricacies, and ethical standards surrounding the SIG electoral process.

The special interest groups include women, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), workers, the elderly, and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF). These categories often require greater media attention and fair representation both in reporting and within political spaces.

Julius Mucunguzi, the EC spokesperson, explained the rationale behind the training.

“The context of this training is justified. We have realised that special interest groups are unique in nature,” he said.

Mucunguzi noted that SIG elections differ significantly from the general elections in terms of processes and legal considerations. “We organised this training so that journalists can understand the legal framework, the processes, and the procedures within which these special interest group elections take place. You cannot report effectively, professionally, and credibly if you don’t understand the subject,” he observed.

He highlighted that Uganda’s most recent SIG elections were conducted at the parish level across more than 10,500 parishes and 71,000 villages. While the majority of polling stations experienced peaceful voting, there were isolated cases of violence.

“In the majority of these, the elections were peaceful and conducted according to law,” said Mucunguzi. “But we also saw places where there were violent confrontations. We condemn violence in all its forms because it should not characterise our electoral process.”

A key focus of the workshop was countering disinformation, especially in the context of emerging technologies. Participants engaged in fact-checking exercises and were warned about the manipulation of voices and images using artificial intelligence.

“With the emergence of artificial intelligence,” Mucunguzi cautioned, “voices and images can be manipulated to say something that never existed. You must practise the basics of professional reporting: verification of facts, authenticity, and avoiding the spread of disinformation or fake news.”

Abubaker Kayondo, a legal officer at the EC, underscored the broader national impact of responsible reporting. “Uganda is for all of us. When we enjoy the good name of Uganda, whether at home or abroad, we all benefit. Elections should come with more peace and credibility, not with insecurity or loss of life,” he said.

The training aimed to build media capacity around the step-by-step SIG election processes, relevant laws, and how to report fairly and inclusively.

Kayondo referenced several applicable legal instruments, including the PWDs Act (115), National Women’s Council Act (113), National Youth Council Act (114), and Labour Union Act (228).

Facilitators from the EC also highlighted the rights of these groups and urged journalists to amplify their voices by offering them accurate, balanced, and inclusive coverage.

Journalists were advised to avoid bias, misinformation, and sensationalism.

Participants said the training deepened their understanding of their role in supporting democratic participation and peaceful elections.

Patricia Awori, the EC’s head of administration, who represented EC chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, noted: “If the media is equipped with the information concerning the Special Interest Groups, it will deter violence during elections but instead promote democracy and good governance.”

Awori expressed optimism that such sessions would improve the quality of election reporting in Uganda. “By working closely with the EC, media can strengthen public trust and ensure that all voters, including those in Special Interest Groups, are informed, respected, and represented,” she said.

“We look forward to promoting transparency, fairness, and professionalism as we move forward to the national election process,” she added.