{"id":7970,"date":"2025-10-13T16:21:31","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T13:21:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuss.mak.ac.ug\/en\/?p=7970"},"modified":"2026-02-05T14:36:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T11:36:59","slug":"makerere-trains-journalists-on-ethical-election-reporting-ahead-of-2026-polls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chuss.mak.ac.ug\/en\/makerere-trains-journalists-on-ethical-election-reporting-ahead-of-2026-polls\/","title":{"rendered":"Makerere Trains Journalists on Ethical Election Reporting Ahead of 2026 Polls"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As Uganda gears up for the 2026 general elections, Makerere University\u2019s Department of Journalism and Communication, in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC),  organized a two-day training aimed at equipping journalists and journalism students with the right skills and ethics for responsible election reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. William Tayebwa presenting<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The training, held at the university\u2019s main building from October 6th to 7th, brought together lecturers, students, and practicing journalists to discuss best practices, safety, and fairness in covering elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Bahati Nelson, a lecturer at Makerere University, hosting the training at the institution was both timely and strategic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis training is organized by Makerere University in partnership with UCC so that students of journalism and communication can benefit without having to travel to UCC,\u201d Bahati said. \u201cIt also shows that UCC trusts our department as a resource in teaching journalism and communication. Hosting such a training is a plus for us as a department.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bahati noted that the focus on elections was deliberate, given the approaching 2026 polls and the need for journalists to understand UCC\u2019s new guidelines on election coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think UCC thought of coming up with a blueprint to ensure that elections are covered in a legal and ethical manner,\u201d he added. \u201cThe timing is right because the election period is approaching, and journalists need to know how to deal with challenges in the field.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the discussions, Christine Kabazira, one of the attendees,  expressed concern over Uganda\u2019s declining voter turnout and the growing apathy among citizens, particularly the elite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe elites no longer vote because they are financially independent and can\u2019t be corrupted with the little money given to voters,\u201d she observed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kabazira attributed part of this voter fatigue to economic hardships faced by presidential candidates, which limit their ability to reach the electorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSome candidates struggle financially to conduct campaigns. Journalists should therefore make an effort to find them wherever they are and give them a voice,\u201d she urged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She also emphasized the importance of fact-checking and media literacy among both journalists and the public. \u201cJournalists should always verify information before passing it to the public. Likewise, citizens must learn to be critical of the information they receive\u2014they should not be deceived,\u201d Kabazira advised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Charlotte Nantulume, another lecturer from Makerere University, presented the UCC\u2019s guidelines for media coverage during elections, cautioning journalists against publishing misleading opinion polls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPolls can create a bandwagon effect. That\u2019s why no publication of polls is allowed 48 hours before Election Day,\u201d she explained. \u201cJournalists must always find facts and be accurate when reporting sensitive issues like elections. Remember, no story is worth your life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Nantulume also advised journalists to prioritize their safety while covering potentially volatile political events. \u201cAlways wear protective gears because you don\u2019t know when or where violence might erupt,\u201d she warned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Gerald Walulya, another lecturer at Makerere, emphasized the need for balanced coverage during elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMedia houses should ensure that there are equal opportunities for all political parties and candidates to air their adverts,\u201d he said. \u201cJournalists must treat political leaders just as they treat business people\u2014with fairness and professionalism.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two-day training underscored the vital role of the media in promoting transparency, peace, and accountability during elections. Participants agreed that ethical and accurate reporting can help rebuild public trust in both the electoral process and journalism itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the countdown to 2026 begins, the call from Makerere University\u2019s journalism scholars is clear: report responsibly, stay safe, and let facts\u2014not bias\u2014guide election coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Ritah Atukwatse and Fred Kanwagi<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Journalism and Communication students<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some of the staff attending the training<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A journalist contributes during the discussion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A section of the journalists<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Some of the journalists attending the training<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n