The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to coordinated strategic communication as a key driver of economic growth, export competitiveness, tourism development, and Uganda’s international reputation.
This was underscored during a meeting of the National Strategic Communications Committee (NSCC), a high-level inter-agency coordination platform established under Presidential directives to centralise government communication and support exports, tourism, and investment promotion.
The meeting held in Kampala, brought together representatives from government institutions, the private sector, and the media to review progress and harmonise priorities.
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, said the government upholds freedom of expression and open national discourse. However, he emphasised that this freedom must be exercised responsibly, noting that communication today directly influences investor confidence, social cohesion, and Uganda’s global standing.
He warned that inaccurate or inconsistent messaging can undermine exports, tourism, and broader national development efforts, stressing the need for communication that is factual, timely, and aligned across institutions.
He explained that the NSCC was established to strengthen government communication in the national interest by bringing together Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as private-sector actors whose mandates shape Uganda’s image in regional and international markets. Fragmented communication, he noted, sends mixed signals that erode confidence.
Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), said strategic communication is not merely about sharing information but about protecting livelihoods and national income.
He observed that reputation plays a decisive role in securing market access and cautioned that poorly managed messaging can harm farmers, exporters, tourism operators, and investors, sometimes leading to lost contracts, cancelled tours, and reduced business confidence.
He added that while ministries must communicate within their respective mandates, uncoordinated messaging can unintentionally affect other sectors. Public health communication, for example, though necessary, can negatively impact tourism and trade if not properly contextualised and aligned with broader national priorities.
The NSCC, he said, provides a platform for institutions to communicate from a shared knowledge base and with a clear understanding of cross-sector implications.
The meeting also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen professional standards in public communication through continuous learning and capacity building.
Drawing on international best practice, the government is exploring structured platforms that bring together public institutions, the media, and private-sector actors to enhance reporting on complex issues such as science, digital media dynamics, and emerging technologies. Effective communication systems, it was noted, require sustained institutional discipline and long-term commitment.
Baryomunsi further revealed that the government is finalising a comprehensive national communication policy, already reviewed by Cabinet, to address the evolving media landscape across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
A consolidated communication law is also being developed to harmonise existing legislation into a single framework responsive to new technologies and digital realities. He clarified that the reforms are intended to promote clarity and coherence rather than restriction, while safeguarding legitimate expression.
The Minister also cited ongoing collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission to explore technology-based solutions for addressing clearly harmful online content without stifling digital platforms or public expression.
He emphasised that regulation alone is insufficient and that media literacy, education, and responsible digital use, particularly among young people, are equally critical.
Both leaders reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with the media as partners in national development, encouraging accurate, contextual, and evidence-based reporting that supports informed public discourse and national cohesion.
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance will continue engaging stakeholders to strengthen government communication systems and position Uganda positively at home and abroad