The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Nyombi Thembo, has told journalists to take personal responsibility for their safety while covering elections, amid growing concern over violence against media practitioners.
Nyombi made the remarks after journalists raised fears about being beaten or harassed while carrying out their duties during the electoral period.
He said the UCC’s mandate is limited to regulating the communications sector and does not extend to providing physical protection to journalists in the field.
“Don’t involve me when you are beaten,” Nyombi said, urging journalists to exercise caution and understand the risks associated with election coverage.
His comments come against a backdrop of repeated complaints by journalists over attacks, intimidation and harassment during political events, including campaign rallies and voting exercises.
In previous elections, several journalists have reported clashes with security personnel and political actors while covering sensitive political activities.
Nyombi emphasized that while UCC continues to advocate for professional, ethical and responsible journalism, reporters must also make informed decisions about where and how they operate, particularly in high-risk environments.
He added that the commission remains committed to engaging media stakeholders to promote responsible reporting that does not incite violence or undermine public order.
As Uganda heads toward the elections, journalists and media rights groups continue to call for stronger protections and clearer guarantees of safety, arguing that secure working conditions are essential for the media to effectively fulfil its constitutional role of informing the public.
