KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission, Eng. George William Nyombi Thembo, has explicitly warned media practitioners against declaring election results without the electoral body’s approval.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The UCC boss issued the stern warning on Friday, October 3, 2025, during the Central Regional Broadcasters’ Stakeholders’ Engagement at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, which was attended by a number of broadcasters, journalists, and social media users.
Nyombi stated that careless reporting, the spread of false information, and the act of declaring election results without official approval are serious dangers to the country’s peace, security, and democratic system.
He stressed that only the Uganda Electoral Commission has the legal power, staff, and systems to announce accurate election results, and that any declaration made by an individual, radio, television, or online platform is illegal and completely unacceptable.
“Journalists and broadcasters must remain impartial referees, not players in the political arena. When presenters, editors, and panelists use platforms to campaign and decampaign, they erode trust and compromise the integrity of the media,” Nyombi said.
He pointed out that some media figures are neglecting their professional duties for political goals, through actions like one-sided reporting, sensational headlines, and clear bias.
The spokesperson of the Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF), Major General Felix Kulayigye, also addressed the gathering, blending authority with strategic humor to remind the government, security agencies, the media, and all citizens of their shared duty to protect Uganda’s democracy.
He explained that security and civic responsibility are not just abstract ideals, but practical necessities that are essential for the nation’s survival, credibility, and future.
The Police Spokesperson, ACP Rusoke Kituuma, urged media workers to prioritize their personal safety when covering dangerous situations and to maintain high professional standards even under extreme pressure.
He acknowledged the need for a vibrant media but stressed it must be paired with a wise understanding that national security is paramount.
“We need a vibrant media. But behind every vibrant media must be a sober understanding that national security is paramount. You are storytellers, but you must also be survivors,” Kituuma emphasized.
These efforts are part of a broader initiative to prepare for the forthcoming 2026 general elections, with a specific focus on ensuring proper conduct during the electoral process and accurate reporting of the results.
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