Uganda cracks down on media over unverified election results
Uganda’s communications regulator has warned radio and television stations against airing unverified claims about election results, saying such content could undermine public trust and threaten national stability.
In a statement, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said it had observed a “concerning trend” of unsuccessful parliamentary and local government candidates using broadcast platforms to dispute officially declared results.
The commission reminded broadcasters and the public that the Electoral Commission is the only constitutional body authorised to declare election outcomes in Uganda. Candidates who are dissatisfied with the results, it said, must challenge them in court within the legally prescribed timelines.
“Broadcast media should not serve as alternative venues for litigating election disputes,” the UCC said.
The regulator warned that airing unofficial results, parallel tallies or speculative allegations is unlawful and could create public panic, confusion and distrust in democratic institutions. It added that such broadcasts may also incite unrest and damage Uganda’s democratic reputation.
The UCC directed all broadcasters to exercise strict editorial oversight and ensure that election-related information is verified against official Electoral Commission sources. It also ordered media houses to refrain from hosting programmes that promote unsubstantiated claims about results.
The commission said it would take “decisive enforcement action” against any broadcaster that violates the law or the guidelines.
Media owners, editors and the public were urged to use broadcast platforms responsibly and in ways that promote national unity and democratic integrity.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
