The Director of Communication at Parliament, Chris Obore, has warned journalists covering the House against professional misconduct and urged them to adhere to the principles of ethical journalism.
Obore made the remarks during a media engagement with members of the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA), organised by Parliament’s Department of Communication and Public Affairs.
Speaking after the engagement, Obore stressed the importance of professionalism, accuracy and responsibility in reporting parliamentary affairs.
“Communication and Public Affairs is not about Obore. I am successful at being irrelevant because I have always delegated colleagues to do my work. It is therefore important for journalists to appreciate the dos and don’ts of journalism while carrying out their duties,” he said.
Obore said journalists should respect the dignity of their sources, understand parliamentary business, consult relevant sources of information, maintain transparency and remain accountable in their reporting.
He noted that while journalists continue to demand press freedom, they should also protect the rights and freedoms of their sources.
“Our work is a constitutional mandate, not a privilege,” he said.
Obore urged parliamentary reporters to practice responsible journalism through their oversight and agenda-setting roles. He cautioned them against misrepresenting sources and engaging in extremist reporting, saying such practices undermine social cohesion.
He said professional presentation of facts would strengthen parliamentary oversight and improve public understanding of the work of elected leaders.
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According to Obore, journalists have a responsibility to help build the kind of Parliament citizens want through objective reporting, effective relationship management and thorough examination of parliamentary work and other credible sources of information.
He reminded journalists that Parliament is a political arena where interests and dynamics constantly change. Because of this, he said reporters must understand the political environment to avoid defamation, sensationalism and inaccurate reporting.
“Journalists have now become transporters of rumours instead of credible information,” Obore said.
Dr John Baptist Imokola, a journalism lecturer at Makerere University journalism emphasised the importance of building credible sources and maintaining professional relationships.
Imokola urged reporters to verify information before publication and avoid reporting political conflicts without sufficient evidence and context.
He also warned against misinterpreting parliamentary procedures and relying excessively on a limited number of sources.
“Parliament is made up of experts in many different fields. Journalists should take advantage of this wealth of knowledge when reporting on legislative matters,” Imokola said.
Journalists welcomed the training, saying it would strengthen their capacity to report on public affairs and parliamentary business more effectively.
Participants also called on media owners and other stakeholders to improve journalists’ welfare and working conditions.
