Kampala, Uganda- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in partnership with the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) in coordination with the United Nations in Uganda, successfully convened a training and dialogue workshop between police officers and journalists in Uganda. The workshop focused on Freedom of Expression, Safety of journalists, and Public Order, aiming to foster a constructive dialogue, enhance mutual understanding, and establish a framework for sustained collaboration.
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This initiative is strategically aligned with Uganda’s 2026 elections, recognizing the critical role of a free and independent media in ensuring transparent, peaceful, and credible electoral processes. It also supports the broader goal of strengthening informed public discourse and democratic participation.
The two-day workshop brought together officers from the Uganda Police Force, journalists, and civil society organizations. Practical demonstrations and scenario-based discussions were conducted to equip the participants with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex situations around their work. Interactive discussions and shared experiences highlighted the need for trust and cooperation between law enforcement and media.
Key Highlights
The dialogue covered various topics, including enhancing professional relations between law enforcement and media, fostering freedom of expression to strengthen the rule of law and democracy, and international and regional standards on freedom of expression, freedom of press, and safety of journalists, among others.
The Senior Commissioner of Police and Director in charge of Human Rights and Legal Affairs, Mr. Charles Kataratambi, expressed his gratitude for the training, noting that it marked a crucial starting point for fostering a harmonious relationship between law enforcement and media. “Journalists and police officers are strategic allies who need each other to effectively serve the public,” he said. “However, the rise of citizen journalism has sometimes blurred the lines of professionalism in our sector, leading to polarization. This training is a vital step towards rebuilding trust and promoting collaboration between our institutions.”
H.E. Mr. Leonard Zulu, UN Resident Coordinator, quoted the UN Secretary-General António Guterres on World Press Freedom Day 2025: “Free and independent journalism is an essential public good. It’s the backbone of accountability, justice, equality, and human rights. Journalists everywhere must be able to report freely and without fear or favor. When journalists are unable to work, we all lose.”
UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern Africa and Representative, Ms. Louise Haxthausen, reinforced the importance of the initiative: “The safety of journalists and freedom of expression are fundamental to a functioning democracy. This training underscores UNESCO commitment to building bridges between law enforcement and the media, ensuring a safer and more informed society.”
Participant Feedback
The workshop provided valuable reflections from participants, many of whom emphasized its timeliness, relevance, and transformative potential:
“It was nice interacting and staying in the same accommodation with journalists. I realized we share a lot in common in relation to our work.” – Police Officer
“The belief that media and police cannot work together has in the past hindered the relationship. But having both groups in the room has fostered understanding and appreciation of each other’s roles. Hopefully, the animosity ends here.” – Journalist
“The sessions were practical and highly relevant, especially as we head into the elections that often raise tensions.” – Civil Society Organization
Recommendations
The workshop concluded with key recommendations to guide future collaboration:
Strengthen communication and mutual understanding of roles and responsibilities of all parties.
Establish transparency and accountability mechanisms to address impunity and crimes against journalists.
Create independent oversight bodies to handle grievances from both parties.
Promote continuous professional development programs for journalists and police officers to deepen understanding of each other’s mandates.
Ensure prosecution of perpetrators to prevent the recurrence of injustices.
Institutionalize regular dialogue and stakeholder engagement to foster collaboration.
It is hoped that this engagement will foster a more collaborative and mutually respectful relationship between the police and journalists, ultimately contributing to a safer and more informed society.
