Government Communications Officers Tipped on Effective Strategic Communication

Government Communications Officers have been reminded of the critical role Strategic Communication plays in ensuring national security, socio-economic transformation, and peace in the country.

Brigadier General Abdul Rugumayo, the Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, who represented the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security made these remarks during a Strategic Communications Symposium held at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters in Mbuya where emphasised the importance of effective communication for public information officers and communication officers across various government institutions.

“If we don’t communicate well, we shall not achieve economic development. Therefore, we should properly understand and be able to explain things from the right perspective,” said Brig Gen Rugumayo.

He noted that the symposium would improve the way Public Information Officers interact and communicate with the general public and urged the officers to communicate effectively to avoid contradictions, stressing that effective communication is no longer a necessity but a fully integrated and essential element of governance.

During the meeting, officers were encouraged to use strategic communication to enhance national values, support national interests, and promote regional and international engagements.

The Director Defence Public Information, Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye, urged them to maintain consistency in their messaging.

“Once we’re consistent and have the same message, our country will remain stable,” he said.

The symposium was attended by several key figures, including Colonel AT Kitanda, Head of Strategic Communication and Defence Engagement; Ms. Karekye Marcella, Head of the Government Citizen Interaction Center; Police Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma; Electoral Commission Media and Public Relations Manager Mr. Paul Bukenya; Uganda Communications Commission Public Relations Officer Mr. Ibrahim Bbosa; as well as representatives from Uganda Prisons, NIRA, and the Ministry of ICT.