The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to coordinated strategic communication as a driver of economic growth, export competitiveness, tourism development, and Uganda’s international reputation.

This was emphasised 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. The meeting, convened at Sheraton Kampala on 17th February 2026, brought together representatives from key government institutions, the private sector, and the media to assess progress and align priorities.

Speaking at the engagement, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr Chris Baryomunsi, said the government strongly upholds freedom of expression and open national discourse. He stressed, however, that this freedom must be exercised responsibly, noting that today's communication directly impacts investor confidence, social cohesion, and Uganda’s global standing. He mentioned that inaccurate or inconsistent messaging can undermine exports, tourism, and broader national development, underscoring the importance of coherence and accuracy.

The Minister explained that the NSCC was created to strengthen government communication in the national interest by bringing together Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and private-sector actors whose mandates influence Uganda’s reputation in regional and global markets. He warned that fragmented communication sends mixed signals that erode confidence and reiterated that government messaging must be factual, timely, and aligned.

Also addressing the meeting, Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), said strategic communication is about protecting livelihoods and national income, not just sharing information. He observed that reputation determines market access and cautioned that poorly managed messaging can hurt farmers, exporters, tourism operators, and investors, sometimes resulting in lost contracts, cancelled tours, and reduced business confidence.

Mr. Rwabwogo noted that while Ministries must communicate within their mandates, uncoordinated messaging can unintentionally harm other sectors. He cited public health communication as an example, explaining that although necessary, it can negatively affect tourism and trade if not properly contextualised and aligned. He emphasised that the NSCC exists to ensure government institutions communicate from a shared knowledge base and with a clear understanding of national priorities.

The engagement also highlighted 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 government, the media, and the private sector to improve reporting on complex issues, including science, digital media dynamics, and emerging technologies. Mr. Rwabwogo noted that effective communication systems are built over time and require sustained institutional discipline.

Hon. Dr. Baryomunsi further revealed that the government is finalising a comprehensive national communication policy, already reviewed by Cabinet, to reflect the evolving media landscape across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. He added that a consolidated communication law is also being developed to harmonise existing legislation into a single framework that responds to new technologies and digital realities. He clarified that these reforms are intended to promote clarity and coherence, not restriction, while safeguarding legitimate expression.

The Minister also noted ongoing collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to explore technology-based solutions to curb 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, especially among young people, are equally important.

Both speakers 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. Hon. Dr. Baryomunsi concluded by emphasising that patriotic reporting is not about avoiding facts, but about accuracy, responsibility, and context in the national interest.

The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance will continue engaging stakeholders as it strengthens government communication systems to better inform the public and position Uganda positively, both domestically and internationally.