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Requirements for Press Accreditation In Uganda

(Foreign Journalists): Eligibility: Requirements for Press Accreditation in Uganda 

The following are eligible for accreditation;

• Journalists working in media enterprises
• Freelance journalists
• Photojournalists
• Bloggers
• Camera Men
• Students pursuing media, journalism, and communication studies

Requirements for accreditation: Requirements for Press Accreditation in Uganda 

• Applicants must fill out in full Media Council of Uganda Form G;
• Attach a Clearance letter/Certificate of good conduct from Interpol in the applicant’s country of origin (for applicants in countries without an active Interpol office a certificate from the National Police and a cover letter from the applicant’s embassy in Uganda vouching for the applicant and explaining the difficulty of obtaining Interpol Certificate);
• Attach a letter of introduction of the journalist/media worker from the employer;
• Attach a copy of identity card issued by employer;
• National Identity Card (where available).
• Copy of Passport with validity for the term of accreditation applied for (must avail a copy of the page showing visa);
• Two-colour passport-size photographs;
• Pay accreditation fees. (See: Press Accreditation Fees in Uganda)

Explanatory notes for form G section on work portfolio: Requirements for Press Accreditation in Uganda 

Independent Broadcast or Film Production Companies: Provide a letter from a broadcast organization or film distributor committing to air or distribute the work.

Print Media: Submit six (6) by-lined articles published within the past 12 months, and a copy of the publication (not website link).

Radio and TV Media: Submit six (6) reports broadcast within the past 12 months. Media staff, such as camera operators, sound, engineers, producers, and technicians can submit the work of the reporter to which they contributed their services to support their accreditation request.

Photographers: Submit six (6) original tear sheets or photos with credits of the issuing organization in the past 12 months. Also, provide clear documentation that they are on assignment from a specific news organization or publication. A valid assignment letter from that news organization, or publication, is required.

Online Media: Subject to all other criteria, online media may include news outlets, blogs, vlogs, and others and must meet the following requirements, in addition to those above:

• The website must belong to a recognized media organization and have a specific, verifiable street address, a telephone number, and an email address.
• The website must have at least 60 per cent of original news content, commentary, or analysis.
• Submit six (6) by-lined articles that were posted on the website within the last 12 months.

• The website must be updated a minimum of three times a week.

Freelance Journalist: Provide clear documentation that they are on assignment from a specific news organization or publication. A valid assignment letter from that news organization, or publication, is required. Publications/outlets which are communications outreach or advocacy publications of non-governmental or non-profit organizations do not qualify for media accreditation.

Submit six (6) by-lined articles published within the past 12 months, and a copy of the publication (not website link).

1. Time: Applicants may apply for accreditation of 3 months, 6 months, 1 year or 2 years. Any other period within those categories is allowed and the immigration pass shall be in conformity with the period applied.

• Once received the application shall take seven (7) days to process. Applicants should take note and plan their applications accordingly.

1. Filing application: Application/Documents may be sent direct to the Uganda Media council (uploaded on the website in PDF format) by email to secretary@mediacouncil.go.ug
2. Notification: Applicants are hereby notified that the Media Council of Uganda reserves the right to refuse or revoke accreditation at any time.