Santa Media Uganda – Editorial Policy and Code of Ethics.
Santa Media Uganda is committed to delivering journalism of the highest standard: accurate, fair, independent, and responsible. This Editorial Policy is binding on all editorial staff, contributors, and management. Compliance is mandatory and non-negotiable.
Accuracy and Verification
All published information must be factually correct, properly sourced, and presented in context. Every article undergoes rigorous fact-checking and editorial review before publication. Distinctions between news reporting, analysis, opinion, and sponsored content must be explicit and clearly labelled.
Impartiality and Fairness
Coverage must be balanced and impartial. All significant viewpoints on controversial subjects must be sought and fairly represented, with due weight given according to their relevance and evidence. Editorial decisions shall not be influenced by political, commercial, or personal interests.
Diversity and Inclusivity
Content must reflect the full spectrum of Ugandan society. Stories, sources, and perspectives shall not disproportionately favour any single demographic, region, ideology, or interest group.
Sources and Attribution
Journalists must rely on identifiable and credible sources. Anonymous sources may only be used when the information is of clear public interest and no other means of verification exists. All third-party material (text, images, video, audio) requires proper permission and attribution.
Ethical News
Gathering Information must be obtained legally, fairly, and honestly. Deception, intrusion, or subterfuge is prohibited unless overwhelmingly justified by public interest and no alternative exists. Journalists must identify themselves and their affiliation when gathering news.
Right of Reply
Individuals or organisations criticised or accused in a story must be given a timely and reasonable opportunity to respond before publication. Responses received in time will be included fairly and in full context. Failure to respond will be noted.
Privacy and Dignity
Private information may only be published when there is a clear and overriding public interest. Particular care must be taken with non-public figures and vulnerable individuals.
Independence from Commercial Influence
A strict separation exists between editorial content and advertising or sponsorship. No advertiser, sponsor, or external party may influence editorial decisions. All sponsored or branded content must be transparently labelled.
Gifts, Hospitality and Conflicts of Interest
Staff must neither offer nor accept gifts, favours, or hospitality that could reasonably be seen as compromising independence. All potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed to editors immediately.
Corrections and Clarifications
Errors must be corrected swiftly, prominently, and with full transparency. Corrections will be clearly marked and linked to the original article.
Data Protection and Confidentiality
Personal data and confidential sources will be handled in strict accordance with Uganda’s data protection laws and international best practice.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
Any content generated or substantially altered by AI tools must be clearly disclosed. AI may assist research and editing but may not replace journalistic judgement or original reporting.
Social Media Conduct
Staff using social media in a professional capacity or identifying as Santa Media Uganda employees must uphold the same standards of accuracy, impartiality, and respect required in published work.
Complaints and Accountability
We maintain clear, accessible channels for complaints. Every complaint will be investigated promptly, fairly, and transparently, with outcomes communicated to the complainant. Contact: editorial@santamedia.ug to make those clear channels actionable.
This policy is the foundation of trust between Santa Media Uganda and its audience. Breaches will be treated with the utmost seriousness and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Santa Media Uganda Editorial Board