By Basaija Idd
As Uganda prepares for the upcoming general elections, the media is playing an increasingly vital role in fostering national discussions, crisis reporting, and democratic engagements such as elections. Despite these important functions, journalists face ongoing threats from both state and non-state actors.
In particular, the safety of female journalists is becoming a growing concern amid rising political tensions in the Rwenzori Sub-region ahead of the January 2026 general election.
In Kasese, female journalists are expressing concern that without protection, violence and intimidation by security forces, candidates, and the community will deter adequate and true coverage of the elections, and thereby threaten public access to vital information.
Kabugho Evelyne, a journalist attached to Light FM in Kasese town, states that female journalists in this field are more susceptible to mental issues. She explains that the primary cause is the absence of a safe working environment within the institutions they work for.
For example, she mentions that many media houses do not provide identification cards and gadgets to their reporters, which compromises their safety whenever they are asked to identify themselves in the field.
Drawing from her own experience, Kabugho recalls that she was almost prevented from covering a political rally for a candidate in Bukonzo East because she lacked identification. It was only after someone who knew her intervened.
“The reason why I talked about press jackets, Identity cards, and other introductory letters from the station is that at least someone can identify you from far. Most of the female journalists are not in the field because of such issues,” said Kabugho.
Kabugho is also concerned that some of the media houses, notably those owned by religious institutions, are strict about dress codes, specifically denying female journalists the option to wear trousers. She notes that during tense situations like elections, wearing trousers is often necessary and more suitable, but such restrictions hinder female journalists from reporting effectively. As a result, many choose to stay in the newsroom or accept the risks involved in the field.
To move forward, she suggests the urgent need for interventions such as targeted training in gender-sensitive and election reporting, improved safety measures for both physical and online environments, prompt support for journalists in danger, and mental health care to address rising stress.
“When you go to Universities and other Institutions, you find more female students studying journalism, but where are they? most fear field work, so media stakeholders, civil society, and government must work together to protect the hard-won gains of press freedom in our country and ensure an all-inclusive media future,” Kabugho demanded.
Muhindo Jovia, a seasoned journalist with a decade of experience and currently working with UBC-Ngeya FM in Kasese District, highlights significant challenges facing female journalists in the industry. She points out that there are substantial gaps that hinder women journalists from fully covering tense and critical situations, such as elections.
One major issue she also mentions is that many media houses do not provide proper identification to their staff, which compromises their safety. She notes that for fear of embarrassment or risk, many female journalists shy away from covering potentially dangerous events, limiting their opportunities and exposure in critical reporting.
“I think it’s natural, as women, we care so much about our safety, so when a journalist has no identity card, transport, she opts to let the story pass,” narrates Muhindo.
Muhindo has taken the time to mentor and support new female journalists who are on the verge of giving up, recognizing that many lack proper guidance and skills on how to cover stories safely without risking their lives.
Despite these challenges and threats faced by women in journalism, Muhindo remains hopeful for a future where media space becomes safer and more inclusive for female journalists.
“Women journalists don’t lose hope, continue pushing, in any way you can manage, journalism is a good profession, and I don’t think there is any profession without a challenge. If you are encountering challenges, see how you can handle,” Muhindo urges.
Biira Moreen, a correspondent for Daily Monitor and a staff member at South Rwenzori Messiah Radio-SRMR, states that female journalists are often not adequately protected in their line of work. She feels that management tends to undermine the unique challenges faced by female journalists, which affects their safety and well-being. She recalls the 2021 Busongora-South by-election, where female journalists experienced significant intimidation and harassment from both security forces, sources, and worst even their male counterparts.
Biira is also concerned about how the community treats female journalists. She explains that during campaigns, the electorate often directs their attention to female journalists inappropriately, sometimes making sexually suggestive remarks or attempting to touch them.
“Most of the threats are political, so if you get to the field, you just know you have to struggle to be safe, and I will be honest, slowly female journalists are being pushed out of the profession,” says Biira.
When asked about the limited presence of female journalists in the field, Biira explains that most media houses do not consider gender-inclusive recruitment processes, adding that many local media houses prefer hiring male journalists, which contributes to the underrepresentation of women in the industry.
However, she encourages young female journalists to stand up and challenge those who consider them unserious, both in their profession and in real life. She believes that by demonstrating confidence and resilience, they can break down stereotypes and earn respect in their field.
“You might find we are going to get a lesser number of female reporters this season, and the few you will get are those who are strong enough to make the sacrifice. I would wish that civil society that seeks to promote the safety of journalists move down to discuss with our media managers,” Biira suggests.
Sheilah Aine, a reporter with GNTV based in Rubirizi district, urges media houses to prioritize improved accreditation, better access to election data, and consistent legal reforms to protect female journalists from attacks.
As she is at the forefront of covering the 2026 elections for her media house, Aine says she has witnessed her colleagues being embarrassed at rallies because they either lack proper identification or are unaccredited.
“Like here, there are very few female journalists in actual practice, but even these few, you can’t meet them and know that they are journalists largely because they don’t have identification,” she notes.
Another female journalist who preferred to remain anonymous revealed that she abandoned covering the campaigns after an incident where a candidate’s agent allegedly began sexually harassing her through persistent calls for a romantic relationship.
While she didn’t report the matter to her editor, she noted that many young journalists are vulnerable to such misconduct, often lured with promises of daily allowances or favors after campaign events.
Bikeke Saimon, the director for the Umbrella for Journalists in Kasese-UJK, agrees that although the organization has not recorded any serious offence against a female journalist in the field, it’s evident that their safety remains at risk.
He also states that journalists, especially women, face not only the general threats of intimidation, obstruction, and violence but also gender-specific abuses such as harassment, coercion, and targeted hostility while they cover news events.
“Look, most of our media houses in this country don’t give employment contracts, they don’t have transport means, so if anything happens in line of duty, it’s a courtesy for a media house to support you. As an organization, we urge field reporters to report to us any cases of violence inflicted on them via the protection des,” says Bikeke.
Bikeke asks media outlets to provide helmets, bulletproof and flak jackets for physical protection and clear identification of journalists in the field, but also train journalists on covering dangerous assignments and tips them about safety practices.
He notes that as UJK, they remain the focal point of contact in the Rwenzori sub-region to protect journalists during elections and beyond.
Earlier this year, Julius Mucunguzi, the spokesperson for the Electoral Commission (EC), said that while the media plays a critical role in ensuring free and fair elections, the Commission cannot guarantee the safety of journalists.
Many media practitioners argue that there’s no sign that control of and violence toward media will end now, even in light of the 2024 High Court ruling that attacks on journalists are unconstitutional.
