Ministry of ICT and ISO Forge Partnership to Enhance Gov't Communication

In an effort to refine government communication strategies, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, in partnership with the Internal Security Organization (ISO), convened a retreat in Moroto on March 19, 2024.

The retreat aimed to modernize and revitalize government communication efforts to better serve the Ugandan populace and promote transparency and efficiency in governance.

Led by Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, and Col. Emmy Katabazi, Deputy Director General of the Internal Security Organization, the retreat emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among government communicators.

Dr. Zawedde highlighted the need for a concerted approach to effectively inform various audiences about government endeavors, stressing the significance of operating as a unified entity rather than isolated entities.

"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."

The agenda of the retreat centered on modernizing government communications to leverage technological advancements for public benefit. Objectives included enhancing the credibility and efficiency of government communication, building public trust, and nurturing communication talent within the government sector.

Col. Katabazi emphasized the necessity for a paradigm shift in the mindset of government communicators, urging them to adopt a revolutionary approach to support the government's goals.

He underscored the importance of thinking broadly and acting decisively to address significant challenges facing the nation.

"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 noted.

Participation from Ambrose Byoona, CEO of Sanny Bird, added an economic perspective to the retreat, discussing the impact of a new cement factory in Moroto, projected to be the largest in East Africa.

The venture is expected to reduce the cost of cement production and contribute to regional community development, including food security and educational scholarships.

The retreat also focused on revitalizing the Government Communication Officers Forum (GCOF), established in 2012, to ensure effective collaboration among government spokespeople and communicators in conveying social, economic, and development messages to the public.