EDITOR
As the country gears up for the upcoming general elections slated for 12 January 2026 (According to the Electoral Commission), media practitioners have been reminded of their critical role during this election season. Electoral Commission of Uganda (EC) Public Relations Officer Julius Mucunguzi made the call this morning during the opening session of a one-day regional workshop for journalists from the South-Western region.
The event, held at Hotel Triangle in Mbarara City, brought together media practitioners from various outlets across South-Western Uganda. The workshop is being held under the theme: “Enhancing Professionalism in Media Reporting on General Elections 2026.”
In his remarks, Mucunguzi emphasised that as the country heads towards the 12 January 2026 elections, the media’s role becomes more significant than ever in maintaining democratic integrity. The EC’s roadmap confirms that nominations for presidential and parliamentary candidates will take place in late 2025, with campaigning running up to January 2026.
Media veteran Mucunguzi also addressed the gathering, warning that during election periods politicians have a tendency to use media practitioners for their own advantage only to disappear afterwards. He urged journalists not to be swayed by the demands of politicians, but to instead continue their work ethically and professionally.
With the elections now less than four months away, the training aims to sharpen the skills of journalists in election-reporting, equipping them with tools to navigate the pressures and complexities of the campaign season.
