By KT Reporter
Journalists in Arua City have signed commitments with different election stakeholders to ensure they safely report activities such as campaigns and voting, and to promote a violence-free 2025/2026 election in the West Nile region.
The commitments were signed during a media dialogue organized by journalists under their umbrella body, Arua City Journalists Association (ACJA), as part of activities to commemorate the belated International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
This initiative comes in the wake of arrests and denied access to information for media personnel during ongoing presidential campaigns in other parts of the country, as well as targeted attacks on journalists during the Kawempe North by-election. ACJA Chairperson, Henry Lematia, explained that any environment where journalists cannot freely practice their work undermines democracy and can affect the outcome of elections.
Arua City Returning Officer at the Electoral Commission, Osman Ezale, acknowledged the media’s role in the democratic process but challenged journalists to verify every piece of information before sharing it.
Immaculate Akullu, a Legal Officer at the Uganda Human Rights Commission, pledged continued civic engagement during elections and assured that journalists will be protected just like other members of the public in Uganda.
Deputy Regional Police Commander for West Nile, Richard Anyama, committed to ensuring the safety of journalists and their equipment while covering the elections. He advised journalists to comply with security protocols to minimize risks.
However, Twaib Feni, Executive Director of the West Nile Regional Civil Society Network (WECISNET), challenged journalists to remain professional and combat disinformation.
According to the 2024 Press Freedom Index by the Human Rights Network for Journalists, a total of 110 violations were recorded, including denied access, assaults, equipment damage, harassment, and other infringements.
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