m e d i a and elections Page 1 Publisher FOREWORD Uganda Media Development Foundation P.O.BOX 21778, KAMPALA Early in 2011 the Ugandan people will be called to vote in the PLOT 976, MUGERWA ROAD BUKOTO Parliamentary and Presidential elections, the fourth elections after Tel:+256 414 532083 the promulgation of the 1995 constitution and only the second Email:
[email protected] under the new multiparty dispensation. The media has a crucial Website: www.umdf.co.ug role to play in this process - before, during as well as after the elections - since they provide information for the voters and help Project Editor creating transparency in the electoral process. Gertrude Benderana Only informed citizens can effectively practice their democratic Tel: +256 772 323325 rights, and a pre-condition for an informed choice of the voters is Email:
[email protected] a free and vibrant media landscape. The media provide a platform for the people to get to know the available alternatives and learn UMDF National Coordinator about the different candidates and what they stand for. At the Mathias Mulumba Mayombwe same time, the candidates and parties competing for power can Tel: + 256 752 964448 actively use this platform for reaching out to the voters and getting Email:
[email protected] their messages across. However, for the media to effectively fulfill their democratic role, UMDF Chairman particularly during times of election, a number of challenges have James Kigozi to be managed. This includes ensuring responsible conduct of Email:
[email protected] journalists and adherence of basic principles and quality standards Photo credit: All pictures courtesy of the New in reporting, as well as promoting a free environment for objective Vision printing and publishing corp.