The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has expressed concerns over the safety of journalists during the upcoming 2026 elections. In a letter to the Electoral Commission, the UJA highlighted the need for a safe environment for journalists to report on the election, citing past incidents of violence against them.
The letter references the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election on March 13, 2025, where 36 journalists were attacked and injured by security forces. The UJA is urging the Electoral Commission to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of journalists, including providing protection, engaging in a stakeholders’ dialogue, and offering capacity-building training for journalists on electoral reporting.
UJA President Mathias Rukundo emphasized the importance of ensuring journalist safety to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and promote peace and stability in the country. The Electoral Commission’s response to the UJA’s concerns will be crucial in determining the safety of journalists during the 2026 elections.
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