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Susan M Atengo, the Director Legal Affairs and Communications Secretary, warning media houses and editors on the fake news. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
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By Milton Niinga
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a stern warning to editors and media outlets regarding the spread of fake news and misinformation as Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections.
This warning comes amid rising concerns over the impact of false information on national security and social stability. According to UCC's Executive Director, Thembo Nyombi, who was represented by Susan M. Atengo, the Director of Legal Affairs and Communications Secretary, some broadcasters are spreading hatred, fueling violence, and threatening national security through their content.
While speaking at the opening of the two-day 3rd Annual Convention 2024/2025, Atengo cautioned against economic sabotage and extortion, emphasizing the need for responsible and ethical journalism.
"Misinformation and disinformation not only erode public trust in the media but also undermine democracy, distort public perception, and hinder informed decision-making," she said.
"Media outlets are obligated to ensure the accuracy and truthfulness of the information they disseminate. I am speaking about the alarming identical and fraternal twin threats of misinformation and disinformation, which present a disaster in Uganda," Atengo added.
In a related statement, Atengo warned the public to be cautious when consuming information on social media, highlighting its potential to spread false information quickly.
"Fake news thrives in the digital space, where social media platforms and online networks rapidly amplify and disseminate content, often without verification," she said.
In some cases, digital algorithms prioritize sensational content over factual reporting, making it even more difficult for the public to discern credible sources from unreliable ones, Atengo observed.
Some of the journalists that attended two-day 3rd Annual Convention
Byabakama condemns JATT over Kawempe north election violence
The Electoral Commission (EC) Chairman, Justice Simon Byabakama, has strongly condemned the violence meted out against citizens by the Joint Anti-Terrorist Taskforce (JATT), which has marred the Kawempe North election campaigns.
"The manner in which JATT security operatives and the police are handling candidates and supporters is unacceptable and must be condemned," he said.
"Beating journalists in the line of duty is a serious test of Uganda's democratic values. I appeal to security forces to exercise maximum restraint and devise other lawful means of handling protests, whether legal or illegal," Byabakama advised.
Byabakama, however, urged political actors to avoid acts of provocation that could lead to clashes with security personnel and emphasized the need for a peaceful and lawful electoral process.
"I am going to meet top leaders of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party to discuss how they conduct their campaigns to avoid confrontations with security forces," he assured.
The electoral commission chairperson, Simon Byabakama and Africa Union Media Fellowship director, David Mukhooli arriving to attend Uganda Editors' Guild convention. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Commercialization of Uganda's Politics Killing Democracy
Byabakama also expressed concerns over the excessive monetization of the electoral process, which he believes undermines democracy. He warned candidates against commercializing elections and engaging in voter bribery, emphasizing that such practices discredit Uganda's democratic record and are punishable by law.
"This undermines the integrity of the electoral process. Our democracy should not be auctioned through repeated acts of commercialization. This is where we need journalists to report and expose electoral malpractice," he noted. The EC has been working closely with the police to ensure a peaceful and lawful electoral process but has urged all political actors to adhere to the laws and guidelines issued by the EC and to exercise maximum restraint during campaigns and voting.
Byabakama's comments come ahead of the Kawempe North by-elections, scheduled for March 13, when voters will elect a new Member of Parliament to replace the late Muhammad Ssegirinya.
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