The Uganda Editors’ Guild seeks the services of a consultant to lead the development of a News Media Ombudsman / Public Editor Guide for news media organisations and platforms in Uganda. The Uganda Editors’ Guild is co-implements this initiative with the African Centre for Media Excellence under the Media Support for Public Accountability and Civic Engagement project.

About the Uganda Editors’ Guild

The Uganda Editors’ Guild, established in April 2019 and incorporated in March 2020, brings together senior editors and journalism scholars to promote media independence and press freedom. With over 65 subscribing members nationwide and partnerships across Africa, the Guild works to promote a professional and viable media that advances democracy. At its core, the Guild believes editors must lead efforts to defend media freedom and uphold high journalistic standards.

Objectives of the consultancy

1. To develop a practical, contextually-grounded guide for news ombudsmen and public editors in Uganda.
2. Strengthen media accountability and public trust.
3. Ensure inclusivity by paying attention to the interests of women, youth, people with disabilities, and rural journalists and media. 

Scope of work

The Consultant will:

1. Lead all aspects of the assignment, including research, drafting, and validation.
2. Design methodologies and tools for data collection, information gathering and stakeholder consultation, as the case may be, including regional emphasis on West Nile, Karamoja and Northern Uganda.
3. Benchmark on African and international ombudsman and public editor models and adapt them to Uganda’s context and needs.
4. Ensure that deliverables meet UEG’s standards and timelines.

Duration of the assignment

The assignment is expected to take 10 working days spread between June and July 2025, including travel days to West Nile, Karamoja and Northern Uganda as well as response to feedback, validation and launch of the guide.

Deliverables

• Inception Report: Detailed methodology, work plan, and annotated content outline.
• First Draft: Comprehensive guide shared with UEG for review.
• Final Guide: Revised version incorporating feedback from UEG and stakeholders.
• Validation and Launch: Lead stakeholder workshops and public launch.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in journalism, media studies, or related field.
• At least 10 years of either senior editorial experience (e.g., editor, ombudsman, media manager) and/or academic experience involving sustained engagement with issues of media self-regulation.
• Proven experience developing media guidelines, toolkits or similar professional resources.
• Deep knowledge of Uganda’s news media landscape and ethical challenges.
• Strong research, analytical, and leadership skills.

 Application requirements

• Technical proposal (maximum 3 pages): Approach, methodology and work plan.
• CV with relevant experience and publications or products.
• Financial proposal: Professional fees in Uganda shillings.
• Three (3) work samples e.g., guides, reports, policy documents, media products.

Submission

• Submit your application as one consolidated PDF file to: info@ugandaeditorsguild.org, copying in admin@acme-ug.org
• Email subject line: Consultant – News Ombudsman Guide
• Download the request for consultancy services here.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.