The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has directed all media houses to suspend or dismiss presenters, news anchors, and talk show hosts who have declared interest in running for parliamentary or other elective positions in the 2026 general elections.
In a public notice published this week, the Commission said the move is aimed at protecting public trust in the media and ensuring fairness during the campaign season.
UCC argued that allowing journalists to continue hosting shows while actively campaigning creates bias and undermines the credibility of broadcasting platforms.
According to UCC, media employees who become political candidates, campaign managers, or communication officers for political parties must step down from their media roles immediately.
The Commission also warned against presenters using their personal social media pages to promote political candidates or attack opponents while still holding media jobs.
“Journalists are expected to maintain neutrality and objectivity. When they engage in open campaigning, the public can no longer distinguish between their professional work and political activism,” UCC stated in the notice.
The regulator added that several complaints had been received from the public about biased news coverage, political hostility, and exclusion of some parties from media platforms. UCC emphasized that such behavior is a clear conflict of interest and violates the minimum standards of professionalism required in journalism.
Media house owners and managers have been instructed to ensure that their staff maintain impartiality. Those who fail to comply risk facing regulatory action, including suspension or revocation of broadcasting licenses.
The UCC, which has been in existence for over 25 years, is mandated by the Uganda Communications Act to regulate telecommunications, broadcasting, data communication, and postal services in Uganda.
Its 2019 Content Regulations require all media outlets to provide balanced and unbiased coverage, especially during election periods.
This directive comes as the country heads into a heated political season, with several journalists already rumored to be eyeing parliamentary seats. The Commission said the new measure is intended to guarantee that all political actors receive equal treatment in the media as the 2026 general elections draw closer.
