Government Communicators challenged over un-updated websites

Arua, (UG):- Government Communications Departments have been bashed for lack of updated websites with current information. The dissatisfaction was expressed by the Assistant Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Arua, Judith Bako, while speaking at a high-level workshop convened by the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) at Desert Breeze Hotel in Arua on, Thursday, 20^th March 2025.

Bako said having un-updated websites and social media platforms denies the public critical information needed to make key decisions within government and the public sectors, especially for investors. “Websites are the first places investors visit when they want information about particular entities. That’s why it is important to have them updated regularly,” she emphasized.

Ms Bako further urged government communicators to ensure that the public receives timely and accurate information, and called for stronger collaboration between Government communicators and security agencies to enhance communication and counter disinformation. 

“Communication officers must take the responsibility of updating the public on what is happening in the region. For example, the Arua City website should always be updated to ensure transparency and accessibility of information,” she asserted.

The Assistant RCC however commended the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) for its role in government communication, particularly through the provision of free airtime. “As communicators, you should take advantage of this platform to provide updates on development projects and government initiatives,” she added.

She further stressed the importance of equipping government communicators with the necessary skills to handle misinformation effectively. “We need to train our communication officers to verify and counter fake news with facts. A well-informed public is key to our region’s growth and security.”

 The workshop, part of ISO’s ongoing efforts to streamline government communication, brought together security officers and government communicators from the West Nile Region. 

Similar sessions have already been held in Karamoja and Teso, with a focus on combating propaganda and ensuring that official information reaches the public unfiltered.

Maj. Edmund Turyatunga, the Director of Media at ISO, underscored the need for effective communication to showcase the transformation taking place in West Nile.

“West Nile has tremendously changed. How do we appreciate this transformation, and how can we communicate it effectively? Communicators play a crucial role in informing the public about the security and development happening in the region,” Turyatunga said.

Arua City’s Town Clerk, David Kyasanku, highlighted the direct link between security and investment.  “Arua welcomes everyone for business because the place is secure, thanks to the teamwork of various stakeholders. We are in a world of media blasts where controlling the media is difficult, but working together ensures that the right information is disseminated,” he said.

Kyasanku further noted that over UGX 100 billion has been invested in Arua, a testament to the conducive environment created by collaborative security efforts.

The President of the Government Communicator’s Forum, who also doubles as the Head of Communications at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), Mr. Frank Mugabi, commended ISO and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance for their efforts in harmonizing government communication. He highlighted that significant progress has been made since these engagements began in Karamoja.

“To date, we have weekly publications managed by District Communication Officers in Karamoja and Teso. These publications provide information on key activities occurring in these areas. This has strengthened the relevance of communication officers and improved collaboration between district technical officers to effectively communicate government programs. This was never the case before,” Mugabi noted.

He noted that the advent of social media has led to an increase in the proliferation of misinformation, which indiscriminately affects socio-economic development. 

A key focus of the workshop was addressing the growing challenge of disinformation and propaganda, which have tarnished Uganda’s image locally and internationally. 

Participants discussed strategies to counter false narratives by proactively sharing verified and factual information through multiple media channels. With the rise of social media, speakers emphasized the importance of government communicators engaging the public proactively, ensuring that misinformation is tackled before it spreads widely.