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Within the framework of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, this initiative supports Uganda's 2026 elections, recognizing the critical role of a free and independent media in ensuring transparent, and peaceful 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 UPF, 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 Assistant Inspector General of UPF 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 social media 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.

UN Resident Coordinator Leonard Zulu 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.” 

Representative of UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Ms. Misako Ito, 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.
• Promote continuous professional development programmes for journalists and police officers to deepen understanding of each other's mandates.
• Ensure prosecution of perpetrators to prevent crimes and attacks against journalists.

• Institutionalize regular dialogue and stakeholder engagement to foster collaboration.

   

About the UNESCO programme

This training was supported by UNESCO’s Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists. Since 2013, UNESCO and its partners have trained over 12,000 security forces from 150 countries on freedom of expression, access to information and safety of journalists through online and on-ground training workshops, dialogues between security forces and journalists, and the publication of a number of .