Ugandan broadcasters urged to stay fair in election coverage

Journalists were told to play nice and obey orders to avoid security beatings. Ben Mwine, the deputy head of the National Association of Broadcasters, lectured media houses on remaining balanced during the upcoming vote. He spoke at a State House Investors Protection Unit briefing chaired by Dr Akwankwasa Barirega.

Mwine admitted members face danger from security operatives but dismissed recent violence as isolated events. He referenced ugly scenes in Kawempe and a specific attack on a DBS Television reporter. The executive claimed talks with police and internal affairs supposedly reduced these aggressive confrontations.

Broadcasters must follow Uganda Communications Commission rules regardless of personal feelings. Mwine used a weird water bottle metaphor to argue for positive spinning. He suggested reporters should focus on filling the metaphorical bottle rather than highlighting how empty it looks to the public.

Col Edith Nakalema praised the press for killing rumors about service disruptions. Meanwhile, Barirega demanded calm behavior from citizens. He insisted government offices remain fully operational and warned that political differences must not turn into property destruction or hostility among locals.