The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has emphasized the importance of government institutions working closely together to effectively communicate to the people what government has done.
The call was made by the permanent secretary in the ministry Dr. Aminah Zawedde, during a retreat in Moroto with personnel from the Internal Security Organisation (ISO).
“To reach out and effectively inform the various audiences about the government’s endeavors, it’s crucial that we operate not as isolated entities but in a concerted manner,” Dr Zawedde said.
The ministry of ICT and the ISO are pioneering initiatives to refine the approach to government communication in Uganda.
This partnership is key to ensuring that the actions and priorities of the Ugandan government are communicated effectively, aiming to positively impact the citizenry’s quality of life.
The agenda of the retreat revolved around modernizing government communications to match the pace of technological advancement and to utilize these developments for public benefit.
Col. Emmy Katabazi, the Deputy Director General of ISO emphasized the necessity for a paradigm shift in the mindset of government communicators to support the revolutionary goals of the government.
“We need to adopt a revolutionary mindset. The challenges we face are significant, and they require us to think and act broadly, not narrowly,” Katabazi said.
The Government Communication Officers Forum (GCOF), established in 2012, is now being revitalized to ensure that government spokespeople and communicators work together effectively to convey the government’s social, economic, and development messages to the public.
Ambrose Byoona, CEO of Sanny Bird, discussed the economic and social impact of a new cement factory in Moroto, projected to be the largest in East Africa and a major employer in the region.
The venture is expected to significantly reduce the cost of cement production and play a role in regional community development, including food security and educational scholarships.
Overall, the retreat in Moroto was a step forward in improving government communication in Uganda.
