A section of journalists and media managers in Lango has expressed growing concern over their safety as Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections. They cite past experiences of harassment, intimidation, and inadequate protection while covering political events.
Charity Akullu, a reporter with Daily Monitor Publications Limited based in Lira City, recalled that during the 2021 elections, when the National Unity Platform (NUP) president visited Lira to present his manifesto, several journalists were attacked by street goons.
“One of our colleagues was assaulted, and when we tried to help, we were also beaten and our phones were stolen,” Akullu said. “To make matters worse, we lacked proper protective gear. We only had national IDs and press jackets, which were not enough.”
She added that covering President Museveni is often less challenging because requirements for accreditation and access are usually clear, but the situation becomes difficult when covering opposition candidates.
“Covering the opposition comes with numerous risks and intimidation,” she noted.
Marion Ajwang, a reporter with The Cooperator News, shared similar concerns. She has covered two major elections, the 2021 general elections and the 2024 Dokolo by-election. Ajwang said both experiences were marked by intimidation and restrictions.
“In 2021, while covering elections at Coorom village in Agweng sub-county, Lira district, I was stopped by people dressed like police officers despite having a permission letter for coverage,” Ajwang recalled.
She added that during the Dokolo by-election, some political party officials were openly hostile to journalists they perceived as unsupportive. “Journalists should be treated equally regardless of the media house they work for,” she emphasised.
Felix Omara, a journalist with Voice of the Gospel FM Lira, said he faced serious threats while covering elections in Moroto Constituency, Alebtong district.
“I was harassed for a story that didn’t favour one candidate. My whereabouts were shared on social media, and I was nearly knocked down by an unknown car,” Omara said.
“Election coverage can be extremely dangerous. Media owners should stand with their field reporters and provide all necessary safety support.
Veteran journalist Hudson Apunyo, who works with Vision Group and Wan Luo TV, said his election coverage has generally been peaceful since 1996. However, he recalled challenges during the 2021 elections when he was blocked from photographing opposition leaders.
“One lady called Tulinawe stopped me from taking Dr Kizza Besigye’s picture, and another time Bobi Wine’s bodyguard blocked me,” he said. “Sometimes people confuse journalism with personal bias, which creates unnecessary tension.”
Media houses are prepared for safer coverage
Media managers in Lira say they are preparing their teams for safe and professional election coverage.
Elvis Ajwika, manager of Voice of Lango 88.0 FM, said his station has organised in-house training for reporters in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and other NGOs.
“We have an editorial policy and minimum broadcasting standards that our staff must follow,” Ajwika said. “While we haven’t yet secured health insurance, our sister company, Felista Uganda Limited, which deals in medical services, will help address staff medical needs during election coverage.”
Ken Okello, managing director of 94.3 QFM Lira, said his team is ready for the elections but still lacks sufficient protective gear.
“The main challenge is access to protective equipment. If we had a one-stop centre for such materials, it would make preparation easier,” Okello said. “We are open to partnerships that can help us strengthen safety and build staff capacity.”
Denis Ojwiny, manager of Divine FM, said his station is working to provide press jackets, tags, and identification cards for all field staff. “Insurance is a bit complex for us because we are not yet sure how to go about it, but we are committed to ensuring our reporters’ safety,” he said.
Fred Eladu, the group manager of Unipol Media Service, a parent company of Lango Broadcasting Services (LBS Radio) in Dokolo town, told tndNews that they are very prepared for the coming elections.
Eladu said they have all the equipment required except the insurance cover which he said their media house will meet the costs.
Police call for collaboration
SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga police PRO, said the police have maintained a good working relationship with journalists and will continue to strengthen cooperation ahead of the elections.
“Police have conducted several joint training sessions with journalists, supported by Plan International and the Regional Police Commander’s office,” Okema said.
“Both the police and media are guided by Article 212 of the Constitution for police and media regulations under the Electoral Commission. In any chaotic situation, journalists should work closely with the police to ensure safety.”
Electoral Commission speaks
The Electoral Commission’s Returning Officer for Lira City, Ipeto Aggrey James, has revealed that the Electoral Commission has successfully completed most of the key pre-election activities.
On the safety of journalists during the election period, Ipeto said the Electoral Commission, in partnership with the Uganda Police Force, has established political and crime desks to handle and report all election-related offences, including attacks on journalists.
He added that during a recent training conducted in partnership with the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME), 23 journalists from the Lango and Acholi sub-regions were sensitised on how to operate safely and professionally during election reporting.
“Journalists should know their boundaries when reporting and avoid incidents that put them at risk. I know people want facts, but don’t chase breaking news to the point of getting hurt. Keep a safe distance, observe, and use other sources to verify information,” said Ipeto.
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