Africa-Press – Uganda. 2021 ELECTIONS POLITICS
KAMPALA – Local, international observers and journalists seeking to cover or observe the electoral process will be cleared by the Media Council.Electoral Commission chairperson Simon Byakakama in a statement issued on Friday said for purposes of transparency, they will accredit international and national media organisations/persons to observe/report the various activities that will be undertaken during the electoral process.”The commission, therefore, invites applications from media organisations/persons and freelance journalists who wish to observe/report on the electoral process,” he stated.Applicants shall be required to prove that their registration status with the respective regulatory authorities is up-to-date. In particular, applicants shall be required to present a clearance from the Media Council, he stressed.He said freelance journalists and photo agencies shall, in addition to the above, be required to attach a letter of recommendation from the media house(s) where they publish their material.”Journalists working for foreign media organisations shall be required to obtain accreditation by the Media Council to practice in Uganda, before applying for accreditation to the Electoral Commission for purposes of observing/reporting the electoral process,” he said.The Electoral Commission shall provide all those accredited with written clearance, relevant information and identification tags for the purpose of observing/reporting the various activities of the electoral process at the different district/city tally centres.He said successful applicants shall be required to comply with the Covid-19 guidelines as issued by the commission and they will be expected to meet all their upkeep expenses.National and international media organisations and freelance journalists should download the application form from the Commission website: www.ec.or.ug and submit the fully filled forms to the Chairperson, Electoral Commission, Plot 55, Jinja Road, Kampala; P.O. Box 22678 Kampala, Uganda, before the 30th day of December 2020. Applications can also be sent via e-mail: [email protected].
