The Electoral Commission of Uganda has launched a special media training workshop at Hotel Africana aimed at equipping journalists with the right skills and knowledge for covering the upcoming Special Interest Groups (SIGs) elections. This important event brought together a wide range of media professionals from radio, television, newspapers, and digital platforms.
During the session, the Electoral Commission emphasized the need for accurate, balanced, and ethical reporting, especially when covering elections that involve vulnerable groups like youth, persons with disabilities, workers, women, and the elderly. These groups often face challenges in having their voices heard, and the media plays a key role in making sure their stories reach the public fairly.
Journalists were taken through the legal framework that guides the SIG elections, the electoral processes involved, and the responsibilities of the media before, during, and after voting. Experts from the Commission and other partners guided discussions on how the press can promote peaceful participation and avoid spreading misinformation or bias.
This training is part of the Commission’s broader efforts to improve transparency and public trust in the electoral process. By building the capacity of journalists, the Commission hopes to ensure that SIG elections are reported professionally and responsibly across all platforms.
Participants welcomed the session, saying it gave them new insights and practical tips for covering SIG elections in ways that uphold the values of democracy and inclusion. The media was also reminded of its watchdog role in ensuring fairness and giving every citizen, especially those in Special Interest Groups, an equal voice during elections.
This initiative by the Electoral Commission shows a clear commitment to free and fair elections, with the media as a critical partner in achieving that goal.
