The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, has called for stronger collaboration between Government and the media to promote responsible journalism, strengthen public trust and support Uganda's socio-economic transformation.

Speaking at the 4th Annual Uganda Editors' Convention held on 31st July 2026 at the Nile Resort Hotel in Jinja, Rt. Hon. Lumumba said the media remains a strategic partner in national development because of its ability to inform citizens, shape public opinion and influence investment.

Organised by the Uganda Editors' Guild under the theme, "Reimagining Media Viability: Innovation, Independence and Public Trust," the convention brought together editors, media leaders, policymakers and development partners to discuss the future of journalism in Uganda.

The Minister noted that technological advancements, artificial intelligence and social media are rapidly changing the media landscape, making responsible journalism more important than ever.
"The media has the power to promote, inform, misinform or disinform. The way you communicate can either strengthen our country's ability to compete globally or weaken it."

She urged editors and journalists to uphold professionalism, accuracy and ethical standards, particularly when reporting on children and during public health emergencies such as Ebola outbreaks. She said the public depends on credible information that informs without creating unnecessary fear or undermining confidence.

Rt. Hon. Lumumba also encouraged the media to support Uganda's economic transformation by highlighting investment opportunities, promoting locally manufactured products and reporting fairly on sectors driving national growth. She said balanced reporting strengthens investor confidence, supports industrialisation and creates opportunities for employment and wealth creation.

The Minister commended editors and journalists for their contribution to increasing public awareness of Government programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), saying accurate reporting enables more Ugandans to understand and benefit from national initiatives.

She also recognised the media's role in improving public understanding of Uganda's oil and gas sector through factual reporting that helps address misconceptions and promotes informed public discussion.

To strengthen cooperation between Government and the media, Rt. Hon. Lumumba proposed more regular engagements between the two sides.
"I recommend that this forum becomes a regular engagement. Instead of meeting once a year, we could consider meeting twice a year, one engagement supported by the media fraternity and another by Government. This will strengthen collaboration and enable us to collectively address the emerging challenges in the sector."

She added that constructive engagement between Government, the media and the private sector is essential for finding practical solutions to national challenges and ensuring that differences of opinion contribute to progress rather than division.

The Minister further encouraged editors to embrace innovation while safeguarding editorial independence and public trust, noting that these values are essential for a vibrant media sector and Uganda's continued development.

Rt. Hon. Lumumba was received upon arrival by the Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, Mr Alan Kasujja, and the President of the Uganda Editors' Guild, Mr Richard Kalinaki.