• Specific research objectives of the KIIs include; • What are media practitioner perceptions of mis- and disinformation, both generally and as it relates to the electoral process? • Which outlets/sources are particularly known for spreading mis/dis info and why? • How do media practitioners engage with mis- and disinformation? What mis- and disinformation do they believe? • How do media practitioners respond to information disorder, if at all? What strategies do they use to counter disinformation and provide reliable information? What challenges do they face in verifying information? • Besides mis- and disinformation, what other challenges are media practitioners facing in Uganda? Specifically, what security and other challenges do they face when covering elections? • Research Methodology and Sampling • The research consultant will conduct interviews with at least 15 media practitioners from a range of media types, locations, roles (e.g., journalist, editor, producer), and languages of operation; and the sample will aim to include even representation of gender. Exact targets will be set in consultation with BBC Media Action. BBC Media Action will support with recruiting participants. Interviews can be conducted face to face or online. • BBC Media Action will provide a semi-structured interview guide to collect the data. Given the valuable perspective that these media practitioners can provide, the guide will include questions related to all research questions listed above, with a particular emphasis on the media’s role in the information ecosystem. Each interview will last approximately one hour. The research consultant will be required to translate the tool from English to any relevant local languages, as necessary. • Fieldwork • The research consultant will be responsible for scheduling and conducting all interviews. The research consultant will also be required to transcribe all interview responses into an analysis framework provided by BBC Media Action and to also provide a written report of the research findings. The research consultant will also be required to provide regular updates of fieldwork and maintain communication with BBC Media Action. • Ethical control, risks and mitigations strategies • BBC Media Action is committed to undertaking research that is of the highest standard. BBC Media Action will expect the research consultant to adhere to ethical and quality standards including: • Informed consent must be gathered and recorded during fieldwork • Respondents to be assured of their confidentiality and anonymity of data • Procedures relating to secure transport of data during fieldwork • Systems and processes in place to ensure compliance with the existing legal and regulatory framework for conducting such research in Uganda, including details of any licenses or permissions held • Data must be securely transferred to BBC Media Action • Researchers and partners working with BBC Media Action need to adhere to a strict code of ethics and endeavour to address major concerns around consent, confidentiality, anonymity and the potential impact of the research on both those researched and researchers. BBC Media Action is available to discuss potential risks that could affect the overall operation of this research. • Deliverables • Deliverables from BBC Media Action will include: • A semi-structured interview guide • An analysis framework • Deliverables from the research consultant will include: • Approximately 15 semi-structured interviews, conducted in-person or online • Final instrument translated into local languages • Regular fieldwork updates • Interview responses transcribed into an analysis framework • Observations that might not be apparent from written notes • A written report of the research findings • Assistance in the development of keywords in relevant local languages for social listening • Assistance in the interpretation and contextualization of survey findings • Timeline • The fieldwork is planned to be completed by end of May 2025.

• Proven experience in qualitative research within the media or communication sectors. • Good understanding of the Ugandan media landscape. • Demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities and conduct culturally sensitive, ethically responsible research.

If interested, please send an email to recruitments@ke.bbcmediaaction.org before 5pm (EAT) on Tuesday 21th April 2025 with “Uganda Research Consultant” as the title of the email. Your email must include: Your CV – attached as a Word or PDF document A brief statement (1 page max) explaining how your skills, strengths and experience meet the requirements for this role. Your consultancy rate per day in Uganda Shillings or GBP Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.