UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo addressed media practitioners in Kampala on Friday, emphasizing that the integrity of election reporting is crucial to national stability. “We are not going to allow unofficial tally centers by any media house. The Electoral Commission is the only body allowed to have a tally center,” he stated, drawing parallels with how national exam results are officially released.
The directive follows lessons from the 2021 elections, when some media houses set up tally centers during a total internet shutdown, raising concerns over bias and unequal access. Opposition politicians had criticized these centers, alleging that only pro-government media were permitted to operate them.
Thembo called on journalists to remain neutral, verify all information, and avoid sensationalism. “Every information you put out must be verified. Unverified reports can cause unrest. Media is a raw material for decision making, and we must prioritize peace and security,” he warned.
The UCC also highlighted that media practitioners with political ambitions must avoid on-air promotion of their campaigns, labeling such behavior illegal and unprofessional. “Someone eyeing political office cannot be fair to competitors,” Thembo added.
Supporting these remarks, UPDF spokesperson Felix Kulayigye urged media to prioritize fact-checking, especially in the era of citizen journalism. He noted that while social media is fast, it often spreads unverified information, giving mainstream media the opportunity to lead through accuracy and reliability.
The UCC’s warning underscores the critical role media play in shaping public perception and maintaining trust in the electoral process. Citizens are encouraged to follow official channels for election updates and rely on verified information to make informed decisions.