Lira, Uganda | Journalists in the Lango subregion have been assured of protection during election coverage and beyond, as over 40 media practitioners gathered to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists at Good News Hotel in Lira City on Friday 31st October.
Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Stephen Odongo, a former media professional, opened the event by pledging “maximum protection” for journalists operating in Lango.
He emphasized the critical role of the press as the “fourth arm of government” and urged media practitioners to maintain fairness, accuracy, and impartiality in reporting, particularly with the 2026 elections approaching.
The event, marking the 11th commemoration of the international day, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by journalists and the collective responsibility to end impunity.
Akwam Emmy Milton, Managing Editor of TND News Online, called for greater support for Lango media houses, appealing to organizations such as the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) and UNESCO to empower local journalism.
Human rights advocate Newton Noble Odongo highlighted the societal benefits of protecting journalists, noting that safeguarding the press contributes to societal prosperity and warning that silencing media often correlates with rising injustice.
He encouraged journalists to act responsibly while showing courage and solidarity.
High Court advocate Winnie Anyango emphasized the importance of enforcing laws designed to protect journalists, particularly women, and said she would personally intervene if any female journalist in Lira faced assault.
She also encouraged media personnel to report incidents with proper evidence to address impunity effectively.
Acipa Grace Doreen, Executive Director of the Lango Women Media Association (LWMA), discussed the growing challenges of harassment and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in reporting.
She advocated for collaboration among journalists, raising awareness about digital security and defending media rights both online and offline.
Several journalists shared personal experiences of threats, Ambrose Okwanga of Unity FM recounted receiving threatening phone calls during assignments and highlighted the inadequate remuneration faced by journalists in upcountry areas.
URN Lango Bureau Chief Amony Immaculate advised colleagues to prioritize personal safety during election reporting, stressing that no story is worth risking one’s life.
Vision Group journalist Ekol Ekol Joseph suggested forming a digital security committee to improve communication and safety among journalists.
In her closing remarks on behalf of UNESCO, Pollin Achola reinforced that journalism is not a crime and that truth-telling should never be punished.
She pointed out that more than 70% of female journalists globally experience harassment, both online and offline, and urged governments, media houses, and citizens to unite in defending press freedom and ending impunity.
The event served as both a reminder of the risks journalists face and a call to action for media practitioners, authorities, and civil society to safeguard the integrity and safety of the press in Uganda.
Tayari News Uganda