The Uganda Communications Commission issued directives requiring media outlets to remain neutral during the upcoming 2026 electoral campaigns. The regulatory body expressed concern about broadcast personnel simultaneously running for political office while fulfilling their professional duties. Officials highlighted complaints about stations refusing airtime to certain candidates based on party affiliation. The commission cited existing legislation from 2013 and content guidelines from 2019 as legal bases for enforcement actions.
Broadcasters must establish editorial standards to prevent conflicts of interest among staff members. Media workers aiming for elected positions should suspend their hosting duties until the campaign period ends. The regulator advised stations to monitor employees' social media activities that could undermine perceived objectivity. Past election cycles saw program suspensions and financial penalties imposed on stations that violated impartiality rules. The directive applies to both traditional broadcasting channels and digital platforms, where political discussion has expanded significantly.
Broadcasters must establish editorial standards to prevent conflicts of interest among staff members. Media workers aiming for elected positions should suspend their hosting duties until the campaign period ends. The regulator advised stations to monitor employees' social media activities that could undermine perceived objectivity. Past election cycles saw program suspensions and financial penalties imposed on stations that violated impartiality rules. The directive applies to both traditional broadcasting channels and digital platforms, where political discussion has expanded significantly.
