By: Our Reporter
Journalists have been challenged to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism by observing media ethics while reporting on Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
Mr. John Kibego, the Managing Director of Kazi-njema Media, said the oil and gas sector is highly sensitive because it involves national interests, international investors, and the concerns of host communities.
“When you see France’s TotalEnergies and China’s CNOOC working on behalf of Uganda, that shows the international dimension of the sector,” he said.
He urged journalists to practise evidence-based reporting and use investigative skills to avoid falling victim to misinformation and disinformation that could damage their credibility and that of the institutions they represent.
Mr. Kibego emphasized the need for objectivity and courage, noting that one of the core roles of the media is to disseminate information while placing public interest at the centre.
“Never tell lies in your reporting about oil and other sectors if you want to retain your credibility. Always tell the truth. Even if you face persecution, you will remain innocent,” he said.
He cited Ephesians 4:25, which urges believers to “put away falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour,” and Proverbs 31:8–9, which calls for speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves and defending the rights of the poor and needy.
Mr. Kibego also stressed the importance of balance and fairness when amplifying the voices of community members involved in disputes with oil companies or government agencies over issues such as land compensation and environmental impacts.
“The principles of balance and fairness are necessary as you amplify the voices of community members For many communities, the media offers hope for justice,” he said.
He added that the sensitivity of the sector should not discourage journalists from reporting on it because both the public and the government depend on the media.
“The freedom to report is guaranteed under Article 29(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which provides for freedom of speech, expression and the press,” he said.
Mr. Kibego further called upon journalists to keep track of emerging environmental concerns to support the government in fulfilling its commitments to environmental protection.
Government has demonstrated the will to protect environment by establishment of oil waste management infrastructure for the Kingfisher and Tilenga oil project areas.
“It is indisputable that oil development can become an environmental disaster if mismanaged. We have seen examples such as the Norilsk oil spill in Russia, the Moanda oil pollution incidents in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Macondo oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The watchdog role of the media can keep developers alert to do the right thing,” he said.
He also urged communities to protect fragile ecosystems in their areas, noting that the greatest burden of environmental degradation and climate change normally rests on the poor.
Mr. Kibego was speaking during an engagement with journalists subscribing to the Albertine Journalists’ Platform (AJOP), a loose network hosted by the National Association of Professional Environmentalists (NAPE).
On behalf of NAPE, Mr. Julius Kyamanywa urged journalists to invest in research to deepen their understanding of the Oil and Gas Sector so they can effectively inform the public.
He noted that key reference documents for journalists include the National Oil and Gas Policy for Uganda (2008) and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) reports for projects such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the Kingfisher oil project.
“You cannot inform people about what you do not know. You must first enrich yourself with knowledge,” he said.
He explained that the engagement aimed to encourage journalists to report on the impacts of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) on communities while also understanding the relationship between the pipeline and other oil projects in the Albertine Graben.
Mr. Henry Kagali, the Mayor of Kiboga Town Council, said local leaders rely on the media to understand community concerns that may otherwise go unnoticed.
“The media are our eyes because we learn about many issues affecting our people through your reporting. What we expect is professional journalism,” Mr. Kagali said.
