Code of Conduct Booklet Issued to Ugandan Media to Avoid Inciting Public During Elections
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Xinhua reports that the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights (UNHCHR) office cautioned the Ugandan media on Wednesday to avoid inciting the public during the general elections slated to begin on February 18th.
Birgit Gerstenberg, UNHCHR representative in Uganda, told reporters here that although the media should fully exercise the right of freedom of expression, it should rightfully exercise it responsibly following the ethical and normative limits that accompany it.
There is a fine line between expression and incitement that the Ugandan media has to diligently walk; we understand the importance of the era of information but one must consider the ethical obligation as paramount when the beacon of political instability first shines.
Gerstenberg was speaking at the launch of a code of conduct booklet for the media during the election process. He said responsible reporting is related to free and fair elections without intimidation, exclusion and violence.
“The responsibility to take care of the broadcast message is with the media and every media professional,” she said.
The code of conduct written by the Electoral Commission (EC) aims to enhance awareness among media practitioners on the rights, roles and duties during the electoral process.
Badru Kiggundu, the EC chairperson, appealed to the media to be mindful of whatever they broadcast or write noting that it can either spark violence or lead to a peaceful election.
“We emphasize that the Commission and the media should aim at being in unison during the electoral process,” he said.
Some countries and humanitarian agencies have urged their citizens and staff both local and international to take caution and make special preparations, citing possible violence ahead of, during and after the elections.