2026 elections: Arua journalists tipped on responsible reporting

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ARUA - As countrywide political campaigns heat up, journalists are at the centre of the 2026 General Election reporting-related activities.

Based on the above, Arua city-based journalists have been urged to practice responsible reporting during the electoral period.

The call was made by various stakeholders attending the belated International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists’ media dialogue organised by Arua City Journalists Association on November 7, 2025.

Among the panellists were officials from the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the Electoral Commission, political party representatives, the West Nile Press Association, civil society organisations, and religious and cultural leaders.

Panelists from Uganda Human Rights Commission, Uganda Police Force, Civil Society Organization, Electoral Commission and the press addressing the concerns raised by the journalists and other stakeholders during the media dialogue in Arua City. (Photo by Robert Adiga)

While cautioning the journalists against irresponsible reporting, West Nile Press Association secretary Felix Warom said journalists should ensure free, fair, balanced and credible reporting at all times.

“As a journalist, you must seek accurate information and verify your information and report in a free, fair, accurate and credible manner such that you are free from harassment, and it is only through responsible reporting that we can be safe as journalists," he said.

Westnile Regional Civil Society Network executive director Twaib Feni, who commended the critical role played by journalists, reminded them of their ethical code of conduct that they should uphold at all times.

“Journalists are doing critical work that supports other sectors, and they should be protected at all times, but also on their side, they should uphold the ethical standards that guide their work so that the cases of harassment are minimised," Feni said.

Osman Ezale, the returning officer Electoral Commission for Arua city, who praised the journalists for professionalism, cautioned media houses against sending ignorant journalists to cover elections.

“As a journalist, make sure that you report balanced, credible and fair stories, and I am urging the media houses and editors not to send untrained journalists who do not know what to do,” Ezale said.

On the human rights violations witnessed in the country, Arua human rights officer Immaculate Okullo confirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of journalists while reminding them to prioritise their safety during election violence.

“We are calling upon journalists that be responsible this season, your safety comes first, and there is no story worth your life. Be responsible, and we are committed to ensuring that you are not harassed and violence against you is curbed ensure justice for you in an unfortunate incident that happens to you,” Akullu said.