News
WAN-IFRA Women in News Trains Journalists on Safety and Reporting in Post-Election Uganda
The 2026 general elections were marked by conflicts, chaos, arrests, and abductions, particularly among politicians with differing political ideologies. This created widespread fear among the public, discouraging many from actively participating in the electoral process.
Journalists were among those affected by the unrest. Many were beaten, arrested, and detained, while their equipment was confiscated or damaged. Others faced both online and physical threats.
Despite these challenges, journalists are often not the final decision-makers regarding the stories they produce, as editorial decisions ultimately rest with newsroom editors, regardless of the risks journalists face in gathering the news.
The tensions did not end with the elections. Even in the post-election period, journalists have continued to face difficulties reporting on political issues, as doing so often exposes them to serious safety risks, including threats from individuals who seek to avoid scrutiny.
In response, WAN-IFRA Women in News initiated this training to equip journalists and newsroom managers with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the post-election environment safely.
The training emphasizes the importance of staying focused on professional responsibilities while prioritizing personal safety, underscoring that no story is worth risking a life.
During a training session held on 24 March 2026 at Protea Skyz Hotel in Naguru, Multimedia Journalist, media trainer and Consultant Irene Abalo equipped media professionals with strategies for managing newsroom pressure during elections and navigating the post-election environment.
Abalo emphasized the importance of teamwork in newsrooms, explaining how journalists can collectively approach conflicts, threats, and risks that arise when reporting on sensitive topics. She highlighted that this support system enables journalists to continue their work while ensuring their safety.
She also noted that this is a critical period for journalists to recover from the election cycle, having endured harassment, intimidation, and other challenges during the process.
WAN-IFRA Women in News Managing Director, Susan Makore, stressed that now that Uganda’s elections are over, media houses should take the opportunity to review and improve their practices.
She urged newsrooms to implement policies that protect journalists in the field, provide additional skills training, and foster collaboration between media owners and security forces.
These measures, she noted, are essential to prevent journalists from facing the same harassment and violations they experienced during past elections.
