Analyzing how Major Print Media Covered Terrorism in Uganda During the Year 2010

Francis Tumwesigye & Kingsley L. Ngange
University for Peace, Costa Rica
Email: tumwesigyef7@gmail.com

Abstract: This study sought to find out how the media covered terrorism acts in Uganda during the year 2010. Whether the media coverage affected the image and operations of security agencies and what would be the best strategies for the media to adopt in covering terrorism acts in Uganda. It is also based on four main theories of Violence, Terrorism, Media and Framing in relation to security and terrorism. The study adopted content analysis and interviews as the main methods of collecting data. It started with library research where most of the relevant literature was obtained. It was followed by archival research at New Vision, Monitor and Red Pepper newspapers library at their headquarters in Kampala. All the newspapers of 2010 were perused and vital information compiled for the final report. Interview guides were also administered to key informants from the media and security personnel that provided crucial information. The findings indicate that disconnection between security agencies and the media is caused by the gaps which exist about knowledge of each other’s roles and interests. The journalists have little knowledge about terrorism, their interests, operations and the close relationship between the media and terrorism. The study makes a number of recommendations that may be useful to all stakeholders in Uganda in the war against terrorism. Joint training, respect and following the ethical and code of conduct, timely and accurate sharing of information, enacting ring laws, and having respect to each other’s roles and the existing laws.