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Women in Journalism and Politics: Countering Gendered Disinformation in Uganda
This documentation report, Women in Journalism and Politics: Countering Gendered Disinformation in Uganda examines the pervasive issue of gendered disinformation and its impacts on female journalists and women in political leadership. Gendered disinformation, often characterised by false narratives, stereotypes, and targeted harassment, undermines women’s credibility and discourages their participation in the public and political spheres. This challenge is particularly critical in Uganda, where the rise of online abuse and disinformation targeting women in leadership positions threatens democratic processes and gender equality as Uganda nears the 2026 general and presidential elections.
The report adopts a comprehensive approach, documenting gendered disinformation's nature,
platforms, and mechanisms. Thematic areas covered include the prevalence of gendered disinformation and its impact on women’s political and journalistic participation. Insights are drawn from global and national case studies, highlighting the experiences of women leaders and journalists who have faced targeted disinformation campaigns. The report also lays the groundwork for a needs assessment that informs future interventions, including capacity-building workshops to equip women in leadership and journalism with the skills to navigate online spaces safely and counter disinformation effectively, including an informative education guide on gendered disinformation. Findings reveal that gendered disinformation contributes to diminished political participation, eroded public trust in women leaders, and polarisation of democratic processes. Specific to Uganda, the upcoming 2026 general elections spotlight the urgent need for interventions, as women journalists and politicians face intensified online abuse, false narratives, and manipulated content aimed at discrediting their roles.