The Nation Media Group Uganda (NMG-U) has entered a partnership with the Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) to advance civic education and promote peaceful citizen participation ahead of the 2026, General Election.
The partnership, which came into effect last month, will see the two entities collaborate to educate citizens about their rights and responsibilities and encourage peaceful and constructive engagement during this period.
The initiative builds on UNNGOF’s ongoing efforts to foster meaningful, informed, and peaceful citizen participation in governance and public affairs.
The NMG-U is the biggest independent media house in Uganda with a footprint that includes Daily Monitor and Ennyanda newspapers, NTV and Spark TV television stations, KFM and Dembe FM radio stations, as well as the country’s biggest news websites and social media platforms.
The UNNGOF, on the other hand, is a national platform for NGOs in Uganda whose mission is to provide a sharing and reflection platform for NGOs to influence governance and development processes in Uganda and enhance their operating environment.
UNNGOF envisions an NGO sector that is coherent, respected, and well-informed in Uganda, actively contributing to citizens’ well-being and safeguarding their rights.
Aim of the partnership
Mr Richard Ssenkwale, the acting general manager of commercial for NMG-U, said the partnership aims to amplify voter civic education, build trust, and turn information into real civic action.
‘Our partnership with NGO Forum is to ultimately provide civic education that will build informed, responsible voters who will strengthen democracy through active and conscious participation in the upcoming elections,’ Mr Ssenkwale said last evening.
‘We believe as the Fourth Estate that civic education is vital for effective voter education because it empowers citizens with the knowledge and values needed to participate meaningfully in the forthcoming elections. This partnership will go a long way in educating the masses through our various platforms to understand their rights, the voting process, and the impact of their choices,’ he added.
Mr Allan Chekwech, the managing editor of NMG-U, said the collaboration will also touch on training journalists.
‘We are partnering with the NGO Forum to publish, broadcast civic education content across all our programmes and platforms in a bid to enhance understanding of the processes. The partnership also touches on training reporters on legal aspects of elections and how to report responsibly during the electioneering period,’ he said.
Speaking on behalf of the UNNGOF, the executive director, Dr Moses Isooba, said the partnership is consistent with UNNGOF’s objective of creating platforms for citizens to express themselves and contribute to national policy discussions.
‘We partnered with the Nation Media Group to engage citizens and stakeholders at the national level,’ Dr Isooba explained.
‘Through initiatives such as the Citizens’ Parliaments facilitated by NMG, we aim to amplify citizens’ voices in national conversations and disseminate information that promotes civic awareness and informed participation in public processes.’
Mr Chris Nkwatsibwe, a programmes team leader at UNNGOF, emphasised that civic education lies at the heart of Forum’s mission.
‘This partnership leverages the media’s core mandate to educate and inform the public and provide a forum for public debate. Such a role is vital for a functioning democracy and an informed citizenry. Partnering with a media house like NMG strengthens our efforts and allows us to reach wider audiences beyond physical engagements.
Background
An analysis of Uganda’s past six election cycles shows that incidents of violence have remained a recurring challenge during electoral periods.
In response, the campaign will place strong emphasis on peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and constructive dialogue throughout the campaign season.
It will also encourage citizens to focus on issues that matter to their communities and the country’s development, rather than on divisive narratives.