Our attention has been drawn to a news story recently aired by NTV – Uganda which, through its framing and reporting, significantly distorted a message intended for public safety and national stability.
We wish to state categorically that the framing presented by the NTV reporter, implying that threats of violence were issued against voters is false, misleading, and an inaccurate reflection of both the substance and intention of the original message.
The original statement was a cautionary appeal rooted in safeguarding human life. It was specifically directed at the youth, urging them to exercise wisdom and avoid being manipulated into participating in street violence, riots, or unlawful gatherings.
THE CORE OF THE MESSAGE EMPHASIZED:
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- Protection of the Vulnerable: Recognizing that those who incite violence often remain in safety while young people face the brunt of law enforcement.
- Public Order: A call for calm and responsible conduct to ensure that the democratic process is not marred by chaos.
- Democratic Rights: At no point was the message intended to intimidate voters or discourage any citizen from exercising their constitutional right to vote.
The suggestion by NTV – Uganda that this advisory constituted a “threat” to peaceful citizens is a grave distortion. Such reporting fails to provide the full context and risks inciting unnecessary fear and tension among the public. We believe this misinterpretation stems from a lack of attentiveness to the constructive nature of the appeal.
We urge all media houses to practice responsible and accurate journalism, particularly on sensitive national matters. Misleading headlines and biased framing only serve to undermine the peace they claim to protect.
We reiterate our call to the citizens of Uganda: Go out and vote peacefully, and thereafter, return home safely.
We remain committed to a peaceful election where every Ugandan can vote without fear.
