Kalisho Info Editorial Policy

1. Introduction

Kalisho Info is an independent digital news platform committed to delivering accurate, timely, balanced and impactful journalism. Our mission is to inform, educate and empower our audiences through credible reporting that serves the public interest while promoting accountability, transparency and informed public debate.

This Editorial Policy guides all editorial decisions, newsroom operations and published content across our website, social media platforms and other digital channels.

2. Editorial Independence

Kalisho Info maintains complete editorial independence.

Editorial decisions are made solely by the editorial team without interference from:

• Political parties
• Government institutions
• Advertisers
• Corporate interests
• Religious organizations
• Individuals
• Sponsors

Advertising, sponsorship or commercial partnerships shall never influence news coverage or editorial judgment.

3. Core Editorial Principles

Every journalist, editor and contributor shall uphold the following principles:

Accuracy

We strive to publish information that is factual, verified and supported by credible evidence.

Information must be confirmed through multiple reliable sources wherever possible.

We distinguish clearly between verified facts, allegations, analysis and opinion.

Fairness

We present issues fairly and give individuals or organizations mentioned in our reporting an opportunity to respond before publication whenever reasonably possible.

We avoid one sided reporting.

Independence

Our journalists shall avoid conflicts of interest.

Staff shall not accept gifts, favors, payments or benefits that could influence editorial decisions.

Accountability

We acknowledge and correct mistakes promptly.

Readers are encouraged to report inaccuracies.

Major corrections shall be clearly indicated within the affected article.

Integrity

Journalists shall never fabricate information, quotes, interviews, photographs or documents.

Plagiarism is strictly prohibited.

Every article must represent original reporting or properly attributed sourced material.

4. Verification Standards

Kalisho Info believes verification is the foundation of credible journalism.

Before publication:

• Facts must be independently verified.
• Statistics must originate from reliable institutions.
• Documents should be authenticated whenever possible.
• Images and videos should undergo verification before use.
• Anonymous information must be corroborated.

Rumors circulating on social media shall never be published as facts.

5. Anonymous Sources

Anonymous sources may only be used when:

• The information is of significant public interest.
• The source faces genuine risk if identified.
• The information cannot reasonably be obtained otherwise.
• Editors are aware of the identity of the source.

Anonymous allegations alone shall not be sufficient for publication.

6. Right of Reply

Individuals, companies and institutions that are the subject of allegations or criticism shall be offered a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication.

If no response is received within a reasonable time, the article shall state that attempts to obtain comment were unsuccessful.

Responses received after publication may be incorporated where appropriate.

7. Corrections Policy

Kalisho Info values transparency.

When errors occur:

• Minor factual mistakes may be corrected without altering the substance of the article.
• Significant errors shall include an editor’s correction note.
• Serious inaccuracies may require a public clarification or retraction.

We do not quietly rewrite stories to conceal mistakes.

8. Distinguishing News, Opinion and Sponsored Content

Kalisho Info clearly labels content as:

• News
• Analysis
• Opinion
• Editorial
• Sponsored Content
• Advertorial

Opinion pieces reflect the views of their authors and do not necessarily represent Kalisho Info.

Sponsored content shall always be clearly identified.

9. Political Coverage

Political reporting shall be:

• Accurate
• Fair
• Balanced
• Evidence based

Election coverage shall provide reasonable opportunities for competing voices while avoiding partisan reporting.

Kalisho Info does not endorse political candidates unless explicitly stated in an official editorial.

10. Crime and Court Reporting

We report responsibly on criminal investigations and court proceedings.

We respect:

• The presumption of innocence.
• Ongoing judicial processes.
• Court reporting restrictions.

Individuals shall not be described as guilty until convicted by a competent court.

11. Children and Vulnerable Persons

Kalisho Info places the highest priority on protecting children and vulnerable individuals.

We generally avoid publishing:

• Names of child victims.
• Images identifying minors involved in crimes.
• Information likely to expose vulnerable persons to harm.

Parental or legal guardian consent shall be obtained where appropriate.

12. Privacy

We respect individual privacy while recognizing the public’s right to know.

Private information shall only be published where there is an overriding public interest.

Journalists must avoid unnecessary intrusion into personal lives.

13. Graphic Content

Graphic photographs or videos shall only be published where they are essential for public understanding.

Editors shall carefully weigh:

• News value
• Public interest
• Potential harm
• Respect for victims and families

Appropriate viewer warnings may be included.

14. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence may assist with research, transcription, translation or production workflows.

However:

• Human editors remain responsible for every published article.
• AI generated information must be independently verified.
• AI shall never replace editorial judgment.
• AI generated images must be clearly labeled where used.

15. Diversity and Inclusion

Kalisho Info seeks to reflect the diversity of Uganda and the wider world.

We strive to include voices across:

• Gender
• Age
• Region
• Disability
• Religion
• Political opinion
• Economic background

We reject discrimination and hate speech.

16. Social Media Conduct

Journalists represent Kalisho Info both online and offline.

Staff should:

• Verify information before sharing.
• Avoid publishing misinformation.
• Maintain professional conduct.
• Avoid public political activism that compromises perceived impartiality.

17. User Generated Content

Comments and user submissions may be moderated.

Kalisho Info reserves the right to remove content containing:

• Hate speech
• Defamation
• Incitement to violence
• Spam
• False information
• Obscene material
• Personal attacks

18. Advertising and Commercial Partnerships

Advertising shall remain clearly separated from editorial content.

Advertisers shall not influence:

• Headlines
• Story selection
• Editorial opinions
• Investigations

Sponsored material shall always be disclosed.

19. Copyright

Kalisho Info respects intellectual property rights.

Content from other publishers shall only be used:

• With permission;
• Under applicable copyright exceptions; or
• Through proper attribution where legally permissible.

Unauthorized copying of Kalisho Info content is prohibited.

20. Editorial Review Process

All news stories should undergo editorial review before publication.

Editors are responsible for ensuring:

• Accuracy
• Legal compliance
• Ethical standards
• Clarity
• Balance
• Style consistency

Sensitive investigations may require review by the Editor in Chief before publication.

21. Complaints

Readers who believe content is inaccurate, unfair or unethical may submit complaints to the editorial team.

Complaints shall be reviewed promptly, fairly and independently.

Where appropriate, Kalisho Info will publish corrections, clarifications or apologies.

22. Ethical Commitment

Kalisho Info is committed to journalism that is:

• Truthful
• Independent
• Fair
• Responsible
• Transparent
• Courageous
• Public interest driven

We recognize that trust is earned through consistent ethical journalism, rigorous verification and accountability to our readers.

This Editorial Policy applies to all employees, freelance contributors, guest writers and anyone producing editorial content on behalf of Kalisho Info.