Public Relations Officers (PROs) from districts in North and West Buganda have sounded the alarm over harsh working conditions, inadequate tools, and low or irregular pay—factors they say are crippling their ability to deliver timely and effective government communication at the grassroots.
The concerns emerged during a regional engagement meeting organized by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance in partnership with the Internal Security Organisation (ISO).
Held to assess the functionality of local government communication strategies, the meeting drew communication officers from several districts to share field experiences and recommend solutions.
Many officers painted a bleak picture of life on the job—describing how they operate without basic equipment such as computers, cameras, internet access, or even designated office space.
"We are operating in a digital era, yet most of us rely on personal phones to communicate official government information. We don’t have laptops, cameras, or even internet access in our offices," said Mugere Emmanuel, the Communication Officer for Nakaseke District.
Another officer, Mayengo, noted that mobility is a core part of their role but is rarely facilitated.
“Most of our work involves covering events, responding to community concerns, and public engagement. But how do you do that without fuel or a motorcycle?” he asked.
Beyond logistical constraints, the officers cited demoralizing pay structures.
Many are not formally employed as full-time government staff and are instead assigned communication duties as part of wider administrative responsibilities, often without formal contracts, allowances, or benefits.
“If we want to see professionalism and results, there must be financial appreciation. Communication work is sensitive and requires both commitment and compensation,” Mugere added.
Officials from the Ministry of ICT and ISO acknowledged the concerns and promised to push for better support mechanisms.
They emphasized the importance of structured staffing, operational budgets, and clear reporting lines to improve the performance of district communicators.
With Uganda entering a politically active period ahead of the 2026 general elections, the role of district communication officers is more critical than ever.
But without the tools, resources, and recognition required to do their work effectively, officers warn that government messaging may falter at the very point where it matters most—among the people.