{"id":10089,"date":"2024-07-09T23:26:56","date_gmt":"2024-07-09T23:26:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eastafricangazette.com\/?p=10089"},"modified":"2024-07-10T08:22:26","modified_gmt":"2024-07-10T08:22:26","slug":"government-seeks-positive-media-coverage-to-boost-ugandas-investment-and-tourism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eastafricangazette.com\/index.php\/2024\/07\/09\/government-seeks-positive-media-coverage-to-boost-ugandas-investment-and-tourism\/","title":{"rendered":"Positive media coverage can boost Uganda\u2019s Investment, Tourism-Government"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

East African Gazette<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kampala<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Government officials are urging media professionals to emphasize Uganda’s positive aspects in order to enhance investment and tourism in the country, rather than dwelling on negative sentiments.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This call was made during a meeting hosted by Col. Edith Nakalema, the head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) at the unit’s offices in Kampala last week on Friday, July 5, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In attendance were various government communication officers and members of the media fraternity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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State House Investors Protection Unit Edith Nakalema in a group photo with government communicators during the Promotion of Investment-Oriented Communication among Government Communicators at the State House Investors Protection Unit head offices in Nakasero on 5th July 2024, Photo by PPU\/Tony Rujuta.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

During her opening remarks, Col. Nakalema emphasized the vital role that government communicators play in shaping Uganda\u2019s economic prospects. She urged media professionals to focus on reassuring investors and tourists about Uganda’s economic stability and growth opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are key in fostering investor confidence and national development,\u201d she stated, underscoring the necessity of maintaining a positive tone in communications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
State House Investors Protection Unit Edith Nakalema interacting with Amos Wekesa during the Promotion of Investment-Oriented Communication among Government Communicators at the State House Investors Protection Unit head offices in Nakasero on 5th July 2024, Photo by PPU\/Tony Rujuta.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The SHIPU head added: \u201cYou need to ensure that your communication influences public opinion about our country and its economic growth. Investor confidence in our economy is of paramount importance, and we all have a role to play in promoting our country.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Col. Nakalema further stressed the importance of disseminating accurate and relevant information about government priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some of the panellists attending the during the Promotion of Investment-Oriented Communication among Government Communicators at the State House Investors Protection Unit head offices in Nakasero on 5th July 2024, Photo by PPU\/Tony Rujuta.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

She noted that effective communication is crucial for investors to identify viable opportunities and for boosting overall investor confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe must make it easier for investors to see the potential in our economy through communication that targets investment and tourism,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prof. Pamela Mbabazi, chair of the National Planning Authority, encouraged communicators to contribute insights on enhancing Uganda\u2019s appeal to investors and tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are on a journey to double our digital growth and attract more investment and tourism,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance Permanent Secretary Aminah Zawedde giving her keynote address in the presence of Ministry of Tourism Wildlife & Antiquities Permanent Secretary Doreen Katusiime during the Promotion of Investment-Oriented Communication among Government Communicators at the State House Investors Protection Unit head offices in Nakasero on 5th July 2024, Photo by PPU\/Tony Rujuta.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe must communicate in a way that attracts investment, tourism, and fosters economic growth.We are all Ugandans, and we love our country. It is our collective duty to portray Uganda as the Pearl of Africa.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance emphasised the role of transparency and accountability in building trust among investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood communication is critical for attracting businesses and promoting our country\u2019s image. Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of building trust with investors. We must be patriotic and work to win over those interested in investing in our country,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms. Mercy Kainobwisho, the Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) pointed out the need for self-promotion to counter negative perceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uganda has a lot to offer and we need to highlight our strengths,” she said, advocating for a balanced narrative that includes the country\u2019s achievements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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State House Investors Protection Unit Edith Nakalema interating with some communicators during the Promotion of Investment-Oriented Communication among Government Communicators at the State House Investors Protection Unit head offices in Nakasero on 5th July 2024, Photo by PPU\/Tony Rujuta.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Brig. Felix Kulayigye, the Director of Defence Public Information highlighted the need for a national service program to foster a patriotic mindset among Ugandans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are Ugandans at mouth not at heart,\u201d he stated, underscoring the importance of instilling national pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brig. Kulayigye highlighted the critical role of communication as a powerful instrument, pointing out that the government has not invested enough in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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L-R ) Police spokesperson Rusoke pose for picture with State House Investors Protection Unit Edith Nakalema during the Promotion of Investment-Oriented Communication among Government Communicators at the State House Investors Protection Unit head offices in Nakasero on 5th July 2024, Photo by PPU\/Tony Rujuta.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

He questioned the motivations behind the media’s content, urging journalists to consider the impact of their work on the country\u2019s image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are you speaking or writing for? Who are you doing it for? What is your motive?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brig. Kulayigye called for media fairness in favour of Uganda, arguing that promoting negative stories harms the nation’s reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen you publish biased stories on the front pages of your newspapers, you are burning your home,\u201d he warned, urging journalists to support and protect Uganda\u2019s interests through their reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Doreen Katusiime (centre) ,the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism Wildlife & Antiquities ) giving her keynote address as Aminah Zawedde , the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance and Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit Edith Nakalema look .This was during the Promotion of Investment-Oriented Communication among Government Communicators at the State House Investors Protection Unit head offices in Nakasero on 5th July 2024, Photo by PPU\/Tony Rujuta.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Kin Kariisa, the Chief Executive Officer of Next Media Services, emphasised the importance of mutual training between journalists and government officers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhile we train our journalists on how to deal with riots, it is equally important to train our officers on how to deal with the media,” he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Kariisa highlighted the need for Ugandans to promote their country positively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEvery day, people tweet about how Uganda is the worst country ever. I ask, have these people visited other countries to see how bad life can be?\u201d he questioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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State House Investors Protection Unit Edith Nakalema giving her keynote address during the Promotion of Investment-Oriented Communication among Government Communicators at the State House Investors Protection Unit head offices in Nakasero on 5th July 2024, Photo by PPU\/Tony Rujuta.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

He stressed the necessity of addressing internal perceptions, asserting that once Ugandans have a positive outlook, it will be easier for the country to gain international recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOnce we fix our own mindset, promoting Uganda internationally becomes much simpler,\u201d Mr. Kariisa concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms. Brindusa Negrea, Chief Operating Officer of the World Business Journal, commented on Uganda’s international image, stating, \u201cThe image of Uganda was pretty bad. I can confirm that. What I want to stress here is that initiation is an instrumental part of power. Everything you say about your country is important\u2014you protect yourself, the truth, and most importantly, the integrity of your government.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms. Negrea noted that headlines focusing on corruption weaken institutions. \u201cWhen you go on Twitter and simply state that, it undermines the country’s stability,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She highlighted that Uganda has a tendency to discuss sensitive issues too openly, leading investors to question the security and investment climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance Permanent Secretary Aminah Zawedde giving her keynote address in the presence of Ministry of Tourism Wildlife & Antiquities Permanent Secretary Doreen Katusiime during the Promotion of Investment-Oriented Communication among Government Communicators at the State House Investors Protection Unit head offices in Nakasero on 5th July 2024, Photo by PPU\/Tony Rujuta.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am surprised by the potential that the country has,\u201d she noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhile everyone wants to eradicate corruption, constantly talking about it can backfire. Outsiders will label the country based on what is covered in the media.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms. Negrea emphasised that even small reports about Uganda can shape international perceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat you write today about Uganda will shape how foreigners perceive you tomorrow,\u201d she concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Amos Wekesa, the founder of Great Lakes Safaris and Uganda Lodges Limited praised Uganda’s unique beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUganda is an extremely unique country. Even when you have travelled to many places, you realize how beautiful our country is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He noted that everyone who visits Uganda wishes it was marketed better and highlighted that every citizen can act as a marketer for the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Wekesa encouraged Ugandans to share positive images of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEvery day that you don\u2019t have anything to post, look for a beautiful picture of Uganda and share it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He pointed out that tourism is a vital sector and that promoting positive aspects can attract more visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen a tourist comes here, they don’t come to see negative aspects; they come to experience our country’s beauty,\u201d Mr. Wekesa added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEach of us has an opportunity to showcase our country with pride. If you speak badly about the country, it affects all of us. Let\u2019s create high-level content that highlights the best of Uganda,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The meeting ended with Col. Nakalema appealing to media professionals to work collaboratively with government communicators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
State House Investors Protection Unit Edith Nakalema giving her keynote address made as excited the Vision Group CEO Innocent Don Wanyama listen.This was during the Promotion of Investment-Oriented Communication among Government Communicators at the State House Investors Protection Unit head offices in Nakasero on 5th July 2024, Photo by PPU\/Tony Rujuta.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe need to protect and promote Uganda\u2019s image. By focusing on positive stories, we can enhance investor confidence and drive economic growth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This meeting was also attended by Ms. Doreen Katusiime, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities, and Mr. Don Wanyama, the Chief Executive Officer of Vision Group, Ms. Marcella Karekye, the Special Presidential Assistant in-charge of Communications and Director of Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GCIC), among others.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

East African Gazette Kampala Government officials are urging media professionals to emphasize Uganda’s positive aspects in order to enhance investment and tourism in the country, rather than dwelling on negative sentiments. This call was made during a meeting hosted by Col. Edith Nakalema, the head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) at the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":10119,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,1552],"tags":[1603,1600,1602,244,1606,1604,178,272,881,1601,1605,59,1599,1029],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eastafricangazette.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10089"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eastafricangazette.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eastafricangazette.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eastafricangazette.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eastafricangazette.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10089"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/eastafricangazette.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10089\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10124,"href":"https:\/\/eastafricangazette.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10089\/revisions\/10124"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eastafricangazette.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10119"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eastafricangazette.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10089"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eastafricangazette.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10089"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eastafricangazette.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10089"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}