East African Gazette
Moroto
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information Communication National Guidance (ICT), emphasized the importance of teamwork among government communicators to enhance communication effectiveness.
She stressed that this collaboration is crucial for conveying government actions and priorities efficiently, ultimately leading to a positive impact on the quality of life.
The PS made these remarks at a retreat held in Moroto district, Karamoja sub-region, which brought together ICT and 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,” she noted.
The focus of the retreat was centered on updating government communications to keep up with the rapid advancements in technology and leveraging these advancements for the betterment of the public.
To improve the credibility and effectiveness of government communication, foster public trust, and cultivate highly skilled communication professionals within the government sector.
Col. Emmy Katabazi, the Deputy Director General ISO, highlighted the importance of a change in mindset among government communicators to align with the transformative objectives of the government.
“We should adopt a revolutionary mindset since the challenges we face are significant, and they require us to think and act broadly, not narrowly,” Katabazi said.
Katabazi emphasized their dedication to an enhanced and efficient communication structure that is in line with the requirements and ambitions of the Ugandan population.
He highlighted the importance of a government communication system that is interactive, transparent, and transformative, leading to more favorable outcomes.
Ambrose Byoona, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sunny Bird, expressed that they deliberated on the economic and social implications of a new cement plant in Moroto, anticipated to become the largest in East Africa and a key source of employment in the area.
Byoona mentioned that this initiative is expected to significantly reduce the cost of production and play a role in regional community development including food security and educational scholarships.
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, in collaboration with the ISO, hosted this retreat as a platform to devise practical strategies for enhancing the government’s communication with the public by engaging the Government Communication Officers.
The Government Communication Officers Forum (GCOF), which was founded in 2012, is currently undergoing a revitalization process to enhance the collaborative efforts of government spokespersons and communicators. The aim is to effectively communicate the government’s social, economic, and development messages to the general public.