Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth Oboth has urged journalists covering Uganda’s Parliament to adhere to high standards of accuracy, fairness and professional conduct, saying the quality of media reporting is central to how the legislature is understood by the public.
Oboth made the remarks while meeting the leadership of the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA), which paid a courtesy call on him.
The Speaker said journalists covering Parliament have a critical responsibility to ensure that the public receives accurate and balanced information about the work of the legislature.
He called on parliamentary reporters to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, saying responsible journalism is essential to strengthening transparency, accountability and public understanding of Parliament.
“Parliamentary journalists play a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability and public understanding of the legislature’s work,” Oboth said.
The Speaker’s remarks come as Parliament continues to rely heavily on the media to communicate its proceedings, legislative decisions and oversight activities to the wider public.
Oboth said the relationship between Parliament and the media should be anchored in professionalism and mutual respect, with journalists maintaining their responsibility to scrutinise Parliament while ensuring that reports are accurate and fair.
The meeting also highlighted concerns about the working relationship between parliamentary leadership and journalists covering the institution.
UPPA President Sam Ibanda called for regular engagement between Parliament’s leadership and the media, saying sustained dialogue would help address long-standing challenges faced by parliamentary journalists.
Ibanda expressed confidence that Oboth’s leadership would strengthen cooperation between Parliament and the press and create a more effective working environment for journalists covering legislative affairs.
He said closer engagement would also help improve communication between Parliament and the public by ensuring that journalists have better access to information and parliamentary activities.
The call for stronger collaboration comes at a time when parliamentary journalism remains central to public scrutiny of legislation, government expenditure and the performance of public institutions.
For Parliament, maintaining a credible relationship with the media is likely to remain important as journalists continue to serve as a key link between lawmakers and citizens.
