Rwot Acana urges journalists to champion peace ahead of 2026 elections

Gulu, Uganda | The Acholi Paramount Chief, Rwot David Onen Acana II, has called on journalists in northern Uganda to play a central role in promoting peace, unity, and responsible reporting as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.

Rwot Acana made the appeal while handing over 30 press jackets worth shs1.5 million to the Northern Uganda Media Organisation (NUMEC), a gesture aimed at enhancing the safety and visibility of journalists during election coverage and beyond.

Delivering his New Year message from his palace, the cultural leader emphasised that elections are temporary political events that should not divide communities or fuel violence.

“Politics is seasonal—it comes and goes. It should never separate us as a people or turn us against one another to the point of losing lives,” Rwot Acana said.

“Journalists have a responsibility to preach peace through their reporting, and that is why we are supporting you.”

He urged chiefs, religious leaders, and political actors across Acholi sub-region to work together in mobilizing communities for peaceful elections, warning against home-based political conflicts that often escalate into violence.

Rwot Acana said the press jackets are intended to protect journalists operating in hostile environments, not only during the election period but also afterward, as part of the cultural institution’s broader commitment to social and economic transformation.

“As a cultural institution, we have supported many associations, SACCOs, and institutions aiming to transition our people into the money economy. We shall continue supporting groups and individuals who contribute positively to society,” he added.

NUMEC, an independent and non-partisan media development organisation based in Gulu, welcomed the support, describing it as a critical intervention at a time when violence against journalists remains widespread.

Charles Akena, the NUMEC Administrator, thanked the Acholi Paramount Chief for partnering with journalists to ensure their safety ahead of the elections.

“Press jackets are very important, especially in violent or tense environments. They help identify journalists and distinguish them from the general public, allowing access to information and reducing the risk of attack,” Akena said.

He revealed that NUMEC has documented at least 10 cases of journalists being assaulted or tortured in the course of duty this year alone, with perpetrators ranging from community members and politicians to security personnel.

“This support from the cultural institution will help our reporters work freely during the 2026 elections without fear of assault from politicians, leaders, or security agencies,” Akena added.

He called for collective responsibility in safeguarding peace in northern Uganda and encouraged journalists to engage in peaceful, developmental reporting that promotes unity and economic recovery.

NUMEC has also received additional support from partners such as ACME, which donated five press jackets, while the organisation itself has procured 15 more in preparation for the elections.

Journalists welcomed the initiative, describing it as a rare but meaningful show of solidarity.

Simon Wokorach, a journalist with NUMEC contributing to Uganda Radio Network and The Cooperator magazine, said Rwot Acana is among the few Acholi leaders who openly recognise and support the work of journalists.

“This is a big blessing as we prepare to cover the 2026 elections. While press jackets may not guarantee total safety, they help us to be identified from a distance unless one is deliberately targeted,” Wokorach noted.

Desire Alimocan, a reporter with Radio Pacis and Uganda Radio Network, said the jackets are especially important for female journalists, who are often more vulnerable in hostile environments.

“This is my first time covering elections, and this support means a lot. Without press jackets, journalists are easily mistaken for bloggers or unprofessional reporters, which exposes us to violence and mistrust,” Alimocan said.

She added that proper identification also helps security personnel recognise and respect journalists, enabling cooperation rather than confrontation during election coverage.

As Uganda inches closer to the 2026 general elections, Rwot Acana’s message places journalists at the heart of peacebuilding challenging them to report responsibly, resist incitement, and help safeguard the social fabric of northern Uganda.