Government Communicators Urged to Tackle Misinformation Effectively

• Mar 21, 2025

Arua City – Government communicators must work closely with security agencies to provide accurate information and counter misinformation, Arua’s Assistant Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Judith Bako, has said.

Speaking at a workshop organized by the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) at Desert Breeze Hotel in Arua, Bako stressed the need for timely and transparent communication. She urged government communication officers to keep the public informed about regional developments and to ensure that government websites remain updated.

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

Strengthening Government Communication

Bako praised the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) for offering free airtime to government agencies, encouraging communicators to use it for updates on development projects and initiatives. She also emphasized the importance of training communication officers to verify and counter fake news, ensuring the public receives accurate information.

“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,” she said.

She expressed concern that many government websites lack updated information, making it difficult for investors and the public to access crucial details.

“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.

Addressing Disinformation and Strengthening Collaboration

The workshop, part of ISO’s nationwide effort to improve government communication, brought together security officials and communication officers from the West Nile Region. Similar sessions have been conducted in Karamoja and Teso to combat propaganda and ensure accurate information reaches the public.

Maj. Edmund Turyatunga, ISO’s Director of Media, highlighted the role of communication in showcasing development 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, linked security to investment, stating that collaborative security efforts have attracted over UGX 100 billion in investment to Arua.

“We are in a world of media blasts where controlling the media is difficult, but working together ensures that the right information is disseminated,” Kyasanku said.

The Role of Social Media and Future Plans

Frank Mugabi, President of the Government Communicator’s Forum and Head of Communications at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), commended ISO and the Ministry of ICT for streamlining government communication.

He noted that weekly publications by District Communication Officers in Karamoja and Teso now provide regular updates on key activities, strengthening the role of government communicators.

However, he warned about the rise of misinformation on social media, which he said negatively impacts socio-economic development.

The workshop emphasized the need for communicators to actively engage the public and address false information before it spreads. Similar sessions are planned for the Western and Central regions, with officials hopeful that improved communication strategies will enhance Uganda’s global image and build public trust in government institutions.