The press coverage of land conflicts in Central Uganda: a case study of the Daily Monitor Newspaper

Abstract

The media is the primary source of information about conflicts for most people, exerting substantial influence over public perceptions, opinions, and behavior (Shehu 2017). Despite the intensity of media coverage and the attention given to land conflicts in Uganda, these issues have not received significant scholarly focus (Kolawole & Ojebuyi 2024). This study analyses how the Daily Monitor newspaper, one of the perceived independent privately owned English newspapers covers land conflicts in Central Uganda. It identifies key issues in the newspaper coverage, sources shaping its reporting, and factors influencing the way coverage is done. Chapter one presents the background, problem statement, research objectives and questions, significance of the study, justification and scope. Chapter two presents the theoretical framework and literature on issues in the reportage of land conflicts, common sources shaping the stories, and working conditions for journalists covering land conflicts. Chapter three presents the research methodology where I discuss the research design, approach, methods and sampling techniques, data analysis, ethical and gender considerations, as well as challenges encountered. Chapter four discusses findings from content analysis of Daily Monitor newspapers, and interviews with journalists and editors. Chapter five presents discussion and interpretation of key findings, while chapter six presents the conclusion recommendations and suggestions for further studies.