Lira Deputy RCC Stephen Odongo, Pledges” Total protection’ for Journalists During Election Coverage

By Okidi Patrick

LIRA, UGANDA – October 31, 2025 – Journalists in the Lango sub-region received a strong assurance of protection from the Lira City Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Stephen Odongo, during election coverage and beyond, as over 40 media practitioners gathered to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.

The event, held at the Good News Hotel, saw Deputy RCC Odongo deliver opening remarks where he guaranteed “maximum protection” from the RCC’s office for all journalists operating in Lango. Odongo, himself a former media personnel, emphasized the critical role of journalists as the “fourth arm of government,” deserving of safeguarding. However, he cautioned against bias, urging all journalists to practice fairness and accuracy in their reporting, particularly as the country approaches electoral periods.

The interactive engagement, marking the 11th commemoration of the international day, brought to light the challenges faced by media workers and the collective efforts needed to end impunity.

Akwam Emmy Milton, Managing Editor of TND News Online, called for greater empowerment of Lango media organizations, requesting support from the African Centre For Media Excellence (ACME) and UNESCO.

Human rights advocate Newton Noble Odongo underscored the societal benefits of a protected press. “When journalists are protected, society prospers,” he stated, highlighting how the silencing of media often correlates with a rise in injustice. He appealed for solidarity and collective courage, recognizing the significant role media plays in the country, and advised journalists to report responsibly during the upcoming electoral period.

Counsel Winnie Anyango, an advocate of the High Court in Lira, stressed the importance of implementing laws designed to protect journalists. “For me, I go head-on if any of the female journalists in this town is assaulted,” she declared, emphasizing a collective responsibility to address impunity and encouraging journalists to lodge complaints with evidence.

Acipa Grace Doreen, Executive Director of the Lango Women Media Association (LWMA), discussed the increasing challenges of harassment and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reporting. She advocated for coexisting and collaborating while doing their work, promoting digital security, and defending journalists’ rights both online and offline.

Personal accounts of threats were shared, with Ambrose Okwonga, a journalist with Unity FM, recounting experiencing phone threats during his duties. He also raised concerns about the poor remuneration of upcountry journalists.

Amony Immaculate, URN Bureau Chief for the Lango sub-region, advised her colleagues to prioritize safety during election reporting, reminding them that “no story is worth one’s life.” Ekol Ekol Joseph from Vision Group proposed the formation of a digital security committee and a dedicated WhatsApp group to enhance communication and safety among journalists.

In her closing remarks on behalf of UNESCO, Pollin Achola reiterated that “journalism is not a crime, and truth-telling should never be punished.” She affirmed freedom of expression as a fundamental right and celebrated the enduring courage of journalists. Achola highlighted alarming statistics, noting that over 70% of female journalists globally have experienced online and offline harassment. She called upon governments, media houses, and citizens to stand with female journalists to collectively end impunity, emphasizing that “together we can end impunity.”