By Mulengera Reporters
The Electoral Commission (EC) has firmly denied claims that it has allocated funds to pay or reward journalists after the 2026 general elections, making clear that no money is set aside for such purposes.
Speaking at an Election Reporting Workshop for Editors held at Royal Suites, Bugolobi, on Friday, EC spokesperson Mr. Julius Mucunguzi emphasized that while the Commission values media professionalism and cooperation, it will not offer any financial incentives to journalists.
“We are not promising anyone money at the end of the elections,” Mr. Mucunguzi said. “Perhaps the only awards will be effective and professional reports about the elections. But no one should tell you that there is a budget prepared to give thanks.”
Focus on Peace and Professionalism
Mucunguzi stressed that the Commission’s top priority remains ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible election process.
He urged journalists to play their part by promoting calm, objectivity, and fact-based reporting throughout the campaign and polling periods.
“What everyone would like to see is a peaceful, secure environment where every actor in the electoral process is able to do their job in peace,” he said. “People elect their leaders, and business as usual continues in newsrooms and elsewhere.”
He noted that violence during elections disrupts economic activity and media operations, warning that chaos benefits no one.
“The first people to lose business when there is violence are business people — and that includes the media,” he cautioned. “Peaceful elections benefit everyone.”
Open Engagement, Not Bribery
Mucunguzi clarified that the EC’s engagement with journalists should not be mistaken for attempts to influence coverage, but rather as part of efforts to foster transparency and cooperation between the Commission and the media sector.
“We believe in free journalism and independent reporting,” he said. “If there are problems, don’t sit on them because you want to please any institution. We improve by being open and transparent.”
He added that the Commission’s communication team will remain accessible to journalists across all platforms to ensure that accurate information is shared promptly.
“Our goal is to make sure that information citizens need reaches them through the media,” he explained. “It’s not about personal relationships with individual reporters — it’s about ensuring access to reliable information.”
Beyond the Election Season
Mucunguzi revealed that the EC intends to sustain its engagement with the media even beyond the election period, describing continued dialogue as key to improving professionalism in election coverage and governance reporting.
“We plan to hold such engagements at intervals, even when there are no elections,” he said. “It helps us reflect on our profession and the way we work.”
He emphasized that the Commission values constructive criticism from the media, saying that open discussion of challenges helps strengthen both institutions.
“If you see problems, raise them,” he urged. “That’s the only way we will improve.”
Evolving Media Landscape
Mucunguzi also acknowledged the ongoing transformation in Uganda’s media industry, where journalists increasingly wear multiple hats as editors, producers, and digital content creators.
He said the EC recognizes this diversity as a positive force in expanding access to information, provided professionalism remains central.
“Today, you don’t always know who is an editor or a reporter,” he said. “Many are doing both — and that’s not a bad thing, as long as information is accurate and serves the public interest.”
He concluded by assuring journalists that while no budget exists for post-election payments, the Commission will continue to rely on their professionalism to ensure credible and peaceful elections.
“We have no money to pay journalists after elections,” Mr. Mucunguzi reiterated. “What we can promise is transparency, cooperation, and opens communication because credible journalism is its own reward.”
The workshop brought together editors, political reporters, and newsroom managers from across the country to discuss strategies for promoting responsible coverage and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2025 polls. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
