Journalists in northern Uganda and West Nile regions have been adviced to be balanced and fair in their coverage of the 2016 elections to reduce on election related risks.
The advice was given by Robert Sempala, Executive Director of the Human Rights Network for journalists during a one and half-day training at Palema Hotel in Gulu.
‘‘Report across board and give fair attention to all candidates,’’ Sempala said. ‘‘Do not be partisan,’’ Sempala added.
Sempala said journalists who are partisan are at risk of putting themselves at risk by escalating grievances among those they cover.
He also blamed politicians for making the work of media houses difficult by bribing journalists.
‘’Politicians sometimes also take advantage of media houses; they pay for programs and bribe. This makes it difficult for a media house to cover them.’’
Morlshid Eleas Muwonge from Defenders Protection initiative, an organisation
working for the security and safety of journalists told the scribes to be mindful of their safety and health in the course of their work.
