Police clarify freedom of press ahead of general elections

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With the 2026 general elections approaching, the Uganda Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to media freedom while urging journalists to prioritise safety and professional ethics, particularly when covering political gatherings and public order operations.

Speaking at the weekly security briefing on Monday (September 15), police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma described the media as a crucial pillar in Uganda’s democratic process, assuring that journalists would not be deliberately targeted by security forces.

“A journalist is part of the key pillars of the information flow system in this country,” Kituuma said.

“We cannot have a functional democracy while suppressing journalists. The police respect your duty to inform the country, and that role is implied within the laws of Uganda.”

Kituuma emphasised, however, that safety precautions must be observed during politically charged events, protests, or any situation with potential for unrest.

“When you are covering activities that have either potential or actual breakdown of public order, you need to mind about your safety. If police advise you to wear a helmet or stand in a certain area, it’s not censorship — it’s a matter of safety,” he explained.

“Tear gas doesn’t choose between a rioter and a journalist.”

He noted that journalists, like officers, are vulnerable in tense environments and encouraged newsrooms to equip their reporters with basic protective gear when covering high-risk assignments.

“The same way our officers wear helmets is the same reason we tell you to do the same. It’s not because we want to tell you what to write — it’s because we don’t want you harmed while doing your job.”

Commitment to cooperation and transparency

The Uganda Police reiterated that it remains open to dialogue and partnership with media houses to ensure smooth coverage during the election period.

“We are already working on a framework to ensure that where there have been past mishaps, we resolve them in a professional and transparent way,” Kituuma said.

“We urge journalists to seek clarity from us directly. Don’t rely on speculation. We are available and ready to respond to your questions.”

He also called for balanced reporting, urging journalists to seek the police’s side of the story before publication.

“We call for unbiased reporting. There are many journalists doing excellent work, and we commend them. Let’s keep the engagement professional.”

Media council engagement

Although Kituuma did not provide specific guidelines for election coverage, he indicated that coordination is ongoing between security agencies and the Media Council of Uganda to streamline operations and clarify roles during the campaign season.

As tensions build in the pre-election period, police have encouraged media houses to sensitise their field staff on laws relating to public order, trespass and obstruction, which in the past have been sources of conflict.

“We are not your editors — we’re your partners in ensuring you report safely. We will not interfere with what you write. But we ask you to work with us when the environment becomes unpredictable.”