Journalists urged to join the Insurance Scheme for Journalists amidst safety concerns at the Uganda Media Week

The 7th edition of the Uganda media week organized by Media Focus on Africa and ACME as well as other sponsors has kicked off with concerns on digital, physical and mental health of journalists ahead of the 2026 elections.

Under the theme "Building Resilience, Safeguarding Independent Journalism", the event is aimed at facilitating dialogue amongst journalists, editors, researchers, media scholars, communication officers, and other media stakeholders from Wednesday 17 to Thursday 18 December 2025 at Four points by Sheraton Kampala.

The discussions are timely as Uganda heads toward the next general elections in January 2026, with growing concerns about the role and influence of digital journalism, press freedom and safety, and the measures put in place for journalists as the exercise their role of informing the public.

Speaking on a panel moderated by Dr John Baptist Imokola, George Lugalambi, the Executive Director of ACME urged journalists to understand the guidelines that provide a framework and context in the work that they do.

In his official remarks, Mr Fred Otunu, Director of Corporate Affairs at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), stated that " Regulators only enforce the law. Regulation does not punish but rather ensures compliance with the laws that exist."

He also urged all media entities to have editorial policies as they operate so as to ensure ethical and professional journalism in Uganda.

Addressing media freedom in Uganda, Mr Otunu explained that where as article 29 of the constitution provides for freedom of expression through different forms, Article 43 provides for limitation of this freedom on issues of public security, molarity and infringement of other people's rights and public interest.

As part of the event, the Insurance Scheme was launched by the Uganda Editor's Guild in partnership with Stanbic Bank and Liberty Insurance Company.

The 360° insurance package covers medical insurance, personal accident, electronics/device insurance, home contents, funeral cover and public liability.

To apply for the package, a journalist should apply through the Editor's Guild website, info@Uganda Editor's Guild and a recommendation letter from one's media house.

Other partners for the media week include; Media Challenge Initiative, CIPESA, Uganda Media Women's Association, Pepsi, Uganda Radio Network, Jamii Africa, Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, and Uganda Media Sector Working Group.