The media fraternity has been urged to promote balanced and objective coverage of the electoral roadmap as the country prepares to go to polls in 2021. The call was made by Sam Rwakoojo the Secretary Electoral Comission during a breakfast meeting with online journalists in Kampala this morning.
The Electoral Commission launched a Roadmap for the 2020/2021 General Elections on 11th December 2018, and thereafter the Commission embarked on implementation of the same.
During the interface, Rwakoojo argued that the media often unintentionally (or intentionally) incite violence through unbalanced, inaccurate or inflammatory reporting. "We therefore, urge you to exercise the highest level of professionalism during our electoral journey to the 2020/2021 general elections" he said.
Adding that the Commission is committed to media safety, and will be developing guidelines aimed at enhancing media safety during the electoral process. This includes briefing all stakeholders in the electoral process on media rights as well as their responsibilities, presence, security
"In partnership with the Media Council, the regulatory authority and yourselves, the Commission will develop guidelines for media personnel, to enhance awareness among practitioners on their rights, roles and duties during the electoral process" Rwakoojo noted.
