EC warns media against inflammatory reporting ahead of 2026 elections
Speaking at the 3rd annual Uganda Editors’ Guild Convention in Kampala, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama urged journalists to avoid spreading hate speech and divisive narratives.
The Uganda Electoral Commission has cautioned the media against inflammatory reporting as the country prepares for the 2026 elections.
Speaking at the 3rd annual Uganda Editors’ Guild Convention in Kampala, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama urged journalists to avoid spreading hate speech and divisive narratives.
“Don’t give ammunition to those who want to sow seeds of sectarianism, hopelessness, and division through the use of hate speech and language that creates discord and bitterness,” Byabakama warned.
He encouraged editors to practice responsible reporting and collaborate with key stakeholders to address critical issues such as the commercialization of elections, misinformation, and fake news. He also emphasized the need to promote youth participation in the electoral process.
Uganda Editors’ Guild President Daniel Kalinaki described the convention as a timely platform for discussions on media coverage of the upcoming elections.
“The convention aims to focus on emerging issues around elections, so we have all the key stakeholders in one room,” Kalinaki said.
He stressed the importance of high-level engagements to secure press freedom and ensure journalists operate in a conducive environment.
“We must have in-depth conversations with people at the other end of the fence, and bodies like the Uganda Editors’ Guild create avenues for us to understand and hear each other,” he added.
Dr. George Lugalambi, Executive Director of the African Centre for Media Excellence, called for improved journalism standards and stronger self-regulation within the profession.
“Conversations like these are critical in strengthening our internal mechanisms for self-regulation. As an editor, you are the first regulator,” Lugalambi noted.
Uganda Communications Commission Secretary and Director of Legal Affairs, Susan Wegoye, underscored the media’s role in ensuring peaceful elections and preventing conflict.
“The media can often incite violence through unbalanced, inaccurate, or inflammatory reporting,” Wegoye cautioned. She urged journalists to verify information before publication, particularly in the digital age.
The convention was supported by M-SPACE, a program led by a consortium of media organizations, including the Uganda Editors’ Guild, the African Centre for Media Excellence, Uganda Radio Network, and the Uganda Media Women’s Association. The initiative aims to promote professionalism, accountability, and a better operating environment for the media.
