Uganda: IGAD Urges Media to Rethink Migration Reporting, Highlight Economic Benefits

What the report says

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has called on journalists in the region to move beyond sensational coverage of migration and to focus instead on how safe, orderly and regulated movement can support economic growth, regional integration and human development. The message was delivered at a three-day media training in Entebbe, Uganda, which brought together more than 30 journalists and media professionals from IGAD member states, along with officials from government ministries, immigration agencies and Interpol.

According to the report, the training covered the IGAD Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, migration governance, trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants and ethical reporting. IGAD officials said the protocol is meant to create a visa-free regional framework for entry, stay, exit, labour mobility, residence and establishment. The article noted that five IGAD member states have signed the protocol, while Djibouti and Kenya have not yet signed, and none of the members has ratified it yet.

Ugandan officials used the forum to point to the country’s National Migration Policy 2025 as an example of a national framework that aligns with regional integration goals. They also urged reporters to avoid dehumanising language and to provide context when covering migration. Security officials said legitimate movement should be distinguished from criminal exploitation, including trafficking and migrant smuggling.

The discussions highlighted the importance of migration for a region with a young population and high unemployment, while stressing the need for accurate reporting and cooperation between media, governments and regional institutions.