The Electoral Commission (EC) yesterday convened a high-level media training at Hotel Africana, bringing together over 150 journalists from across the country to prepare them for coverage of the upcoming Special Interest Group (SIG) elections.
The one-day workshop focused on equipping journalists with a thorough understanding of the legal framework, electoral processes, and ethical considerations specific to reporting on SIG elections, which involve marginalized groups such as youth, persons with disabilities, older persons, and workers.
In his opening remarks, a senior EC official emphasized the critical role the media plays in shaping public perception and promoting transparency during elections. “Accurate, balanced, and ethical reporting is key to ensuring inclusive participation and credibility in our electoral processes,” he noted.
The training featured presentations from Electoral Commission legal and technical teams, who walked journalists through the structure and schedule of the SIG elections as outlined in the national electoral roadmap.
Key topics included the Electoral Commission Act, SIG-specific laws, nomination procedures, voting systems, and complaint resolution mechanisms.
Media ethics experts were also on hand to guide journalists on responsible election coverage. Discussions revolved around avoiding bias, managing misinformation, ensuring equal representation for all candidates, and protecting vulnerable groups from stigmatization in media reporting.
“We cannot talk about free and fair elections without addressing how elections are reported. Media must rise to the responsibility of not only informing but also educating the public on their rights and the significance of participation,” said one of the facilitators.
Journalists expressed appreciation for the training, noting that it provided clarity on the nuances of SIG elections which often receive limited attention compared to general elections. “This workshop has helped me better understand the legal language and processes that guide these elections. I now feel more confident covering these stories with accuracy and sensitivity,” said a reporter from a regional radio station.
The SIG elections are part of Uganda’s multi-layered electoral process and are expected to take place over the coming months. The EC is undertaking a range of activities including voter education, candidate nominations, and logistical preparations to ensure a smooth and credible exercise.
The training reflects the EC’s continued effort to engage key stakeholders in the electoral process, with a specific focus on strengthening media capacity as a pillar of democratic governance.
