UCC Directs Journalists to Get Media Council Accreditation for 2026 Electoral Coverage

All journalists and media practitioners intending to cover Uganda’s 2026 general elections must undergo a mandatory accreditation process through the Media Council and the Electoral Commission (EC), according to new guidelines issued by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

The directive states that no journalist will be allowed access to polling stations, tally centres, or official electoral events without prior accreditation.

The move is aimed at streamlining media operations during the electoral period and strengthening coordination between media professionals, security agencies, and electoral authorities.

“Media practitioners interested in participation in the electoral coverage shall request the EC and the Media Council to grant them accreditation to enable them to cover the elections,” the UCC noted in its official guidelines.

Accreditation will grant journalists official access to election-related events, press briefings, and critical locations throughout the electoral cycle—including nomination of candidates, campaign activities, polling, vote counting, and the tabulation of results at district and national levels.

The initiative is also intended to reinforce professional standards and ensure the safety and protection of journalists on duty.

To qualify for accreditation, journalists must meet several key requirements:

• Be affiliated with a registered media house or recognized as a freelance journalist.
• Possess a valid press ID issued by an employer or a recognized journalists’ association.
• Provide proof of training or experience in journalism or media practice.
• Be of legal working age in Uganda.
• Present a valid personal identification document.
• Submit a professional certificate and an official letter or ID from their media organization.

The accreditation process will apply to journalists from local, national, and international media organizations, provided they meet the stated criteria and submit verifiable credentials.

Once accredited, journalists will be expected to wear their accreditation badges and carry valid press identification at all times while covering the elections.

They are also required to comply with Ugandan laws, media regulations, and ethical reporting standards.

“Journalists must respect security protocols, polling station rules, and event guidelines. They should avoid interfering with official activities or compromising the integrity of the electoral process,” the guidelines emphasize.

In addition to adhering to the law, media practitioners are urged to maintain the highest levels of professionalism, impartiality, and fairness in their reporting during the electoral period.

The UCC noted that this accreditation system is a significant step toward organized, credible, and secure media coverage of the upcoming elections.

Media houses and individual practitioners are encouraged to begin the registration process early to ensure full compliance and avoid last-minute setbacks.

The Electoral Commission and the Media Council are expected to release further details on registration procedures, timelines, and application platforms in the coming weeks.