Journalists in Uganda trained in fact checking ahead of 2026 General elections

Uganda journalists fact checking training

A group of 15 journalists converged at Jfrigh hotel to undergo a two day training in Fact Checking and Information Verification ahead of the 2026 General elections in Uganda. Supported by BBC Media Action and implemented by Debunk Media Initiative, this training was aimed at equipping journalists with the right mindset, skills and practical tools to monitor, spot and counter misinformation during this heightened electoral season.

In partnership with @bbcmediaaction we have converged at @jfrighhotel to train a select group of journalists in monitoring and countering misinformation in this election season. #FactCheckSkillsUG pic.twitter.com/U2ET1uYVcn

— Debunk Media Initiative (@TheDebunkShow) December 11, 2025

Training flow

The training began with our Training Manager, Edgar Karuhanga put into perspective how crucial the role journalists play in elections. With alot of misinformation spreading on different online platforms, journalists play a key role of monitoring and countering this fake news while informing the public on where to find credible information. This involded a practical process of finding what’s fact checkable and not.

Karuhanga Edgar training journalists in fact checking

Journalists undergo an exercise where they are identifying what is fact checkable and what isn’t. This aims to improve how they can identify claims and false information. #FactCheckSkillsUG pic.twitter.com/aJhRodd7Qq

— Debunk Media Initiative (@TheDebunkShow) December 11, 2025

Participants were then introduced to digital tools they can use to fact check informations. each journalist took time to test and verify information that was given to them in a simulation exercise. This was aimed at providing both technical and baseline skills for information verification.

Hands-on time! Journalists are now testing real tools to verify images, videos, and online claims. This is where misinformation meets its match. #FactCheckSkillsUG pic.twitter.com/t87vO1NkNS

— Debunk Media Initiative (@TheDebunkShow) December 11, 2025

Fact Checking for elections

Daniel Lutaaya, a seasoned media practioner and fact checker facilitated a session on how to fact check in the context of elections. tailored examples and case studies that are in line with best practices on how to fact check information during elections. This involved claim identification and motive behind why fake news spreads at a high rate during elections.

@thedebunkshow @Daniel Lutaaya 🇺🇬 guides journalists through the process of claim identification. Motive and intent are key in identifying why certain false claims are spread. #FactCheckSkillsUG ♬ original sound – TheDebunkShow

Debunk Information Verifier

Reagan Kiyimba, a Fact Checker and media professional with Debunk Media Initiative introduced journalists to the Info verifier. This is a smart truth-verification platform that combines AI intelligence with human expertise to help you verify claims quickly, accurately and transparently. Particpants carefully went through the differet steps they could take while using the platform in information verification. This tool shall be used in addition to other verification tools introduced during the training.

.@KiyimbaReagan1 guides journalists on the practical use of the Debunk Verifier. This tool gives you instant access to verified facts, credible sources and a guided fact-checking workflow. #FactCheckSkillsUG https://t.co/2DDtq1GyfD pic.twitter.com/qFMjldCdaM

— Debunk Media Initiative (@TheDebunkShow) December 12, 2025

Key insights from the journalists during the training

@thedebunkshow Day 2 of the Journalists training in Fact Checking for Elections began with a recap of key insights from Day 1. #FactCheckSkillsUG ♬ Sound to Clean Speakers – nBeats

Tumwine Edward

Edward Tumwine is a Digital Communications Consultant, Lecturer, and Media Viability Expert with over nine years of experience in media relations, content strategy, and digital communications. He has advised organizations and journalists on media sustainability, new media skills, and leveraging digital tools for impact. Edward currently serves as the Communications Officer at Debunk Media Initiative, where he leads strategic communications to combat misinformation. He also lectures in Multimedia Production at Uganda Christian University’s School of Journalism and Communication.