Kamuli, Uganda: Journalists in Kamuli District have been urged to uphold objectivity, accuracy and professionalism in their reporting as Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, amid warnings that biased or reckless reporting could fuel violence.
The call was made on Tuesday, December 30, during an engagement meeting held at the RDC’s office at Kamuli District headquarters, chaired by the Kamuli Resident District Commissioner, Ms Rose Birungi and attended by the District Internal Security Officer (DISO), James Khawa, alongside journalists operating in the district.
Addressing the media practitioners, RDC Birungi cautioned that irresponsible reporting during the election period can inflame tensions and undermine peace.
“You can spark violence when you report wrongly or when you are biased,” Birungi said. “I urge you to focus on good reporting and always do proper research before giving information to the public.”
She emphasized that journalists play a critical role in shaping public opinion and maintaining calm during the electoral process, urging them to adhere to ethical standards and verify information before publication or broadcast.
Birungi also encouraged journalists to take advantage of government wealth-creation programmes such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM), saying diversified income sources could help improve their livelihoods.
“I am happy that some of you are already beneficiaries of Emyooga,” she said. “But I urge all of you to participate and benefit. Get other sources of income and do not depend on news reporting alone to support your families.”
On his part, DISO James Khawa commended journalists in Kamuli for what he described as largely objective reporting so far, but urged them to play a role in informing the public about the government’s achievements.
“We have gains to protect,” Khawa said. “You should go and tell the public why they should vote for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2026.”
He also appealed to journalists to reject and condemn all forms of violence, warning that instability threatens national development. “Violence destroys our beautiful country,” Khawa said. “Let us all work to maintain peace.”
Journalists present at the meeting pledged to continue providing information to the public while highlighting government programmes and achievements, as requested by the district leadership.
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