Gov’t Agency Chiefs Plot Media Charm Offensives to Tell Story of Museveni Achievements

A coalition of leaders from various government agencies has resolved to intensify publicity efforts around government achievements, saying many of the successes under President Yoweri Museveni’s administration remain underreported.

The resolution was made yesterday during the fourth meeting of heads of government agencies, held at the State House Investors’ Protection Unit (SHIPU) offices in Kampala. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Willis Bashaasha, the Director of the Manifesto Implementation Unit, emphasized the need to broaden communication strategies, pointing out that some Ugandans are not even aware that the country now has a second international airport at Kabaale. He urged agencies to commit more of their budgets towards communication, ensuring that government achievements are disseminated in all local languages, especially in regions such as West Nile and Rwenzori.

Dr. Barirega welcomed the proposal and encouraged agencies to embrace a testimonial approach, where beneficiaries share their experiences, alongside increased use of digital platforms and social media influencers to spread the message. “This information should be tailored for various audiences such as elites, youths, children, women and farmers in the most effective way possible,” he said, adding that traditional media, community engagements and baraazas under the Musevenomics concept will also be leveraged.

The meeting brought together more than a dozen executives from government bodies, who exchanged insights on strengthening public awareness of ongoing national projects.

During her presentation, Gloria Sebikari, Corporate Affairs Manager at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), highlighted major developments in the Albertine region. She reported that the Kingfisher project, valued at about $3 billion, is over 80% complete, with all land acquisition and compensation processes concluded. Tilenga, the second oil project, is progressing at 57% completion.

Sebikari revealed that over 17,000 Ugandans have been directly employed in the petroleum sector, with 63% in management positions, 93% in technical roles and 98% in support functions. Additionally, 35,000 indirect and 100,000 induced jobs have been created through oil exploration activities.

Other speakers stressed the need to strengthen youth engagement and community-level communication structures. Osborn Turyasingura, Secretary at the National Secretariat for Special Interest Groups and a KCCA councillor, called for a more deliberate approach in mobilizing universities, women and youth groups to appreciate government accomplishments.

Meanwhile, Mercy Kainobwisho, the Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), commended progress in the petroleum sector and revealed that URSB recently opened an office in Hoima to serve the growing oil resource hub.

The leaders pledged to continue these periodic meetings to harmonize strategies for effectively communicating government programmes and achievements across all sectors.