The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has handed over laptops to 176 District Communication Officers in a move aimed at strengthening government information dissemination and strategic communication at the local government level.
The handover ceremony was held at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala and presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Aminah Zawedde.
Zawedde said the initiative is part of broader government efforts to empower communication officers across districts, municipalities and cities with digital tools necessary for effective communication of government policies, programmes and projects.
“At the start of the new year, the government has prioritised the empowerment of communication officers at the local government level. Through this initiative, 176 officers across districts, municipalities and cities are being equipped with laptops to strengthen their capacity to communicate government programmes and projects within the communities where they work and reside,” Zawedde said.
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She noted that for many years, district communicators have operated under significant constraints, relying largely on traditional channels such as press statements and newspaper articles, despite the rapid shift to digital communication platforms.
“Today, effective public communication requires an active digital presence. Citizens expect timely information on platforms such as WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and other social media channels. These tools are essential for real-time engagement and public accountability,” she said.
Zawedde added that although government has delivered tangible results across the country, including schools, upgraded roads, health facilities, computer laboratories and community-based interventions, many of these achievements are not always clearly or promptly communicated at the grassroots.
She explained that the laptops will enable communication officers to document, package and disseminate evidence of service delivery more effectively so that citizens can understand what government is doing, where it is happening and who is benefiting.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, Mr Ben Kumumanya, urged the officers to uphold professionalism and accountability in their work and to play an active role in supporting socio-economic transformation.
“Let us make a meaningful contribution to socio-economic transformation by clearly communicating and telling the stories of what the government is doing for the people of Uganda. Above all, let us love and protect our country, Uganda, because we do not have another one,” Mr Kumumanya said.
Beneficiaries welcomed the support, describing it as timely and transformative.
The Butambala District Communication Officer, Mariam Nalubwama, said the laptops would significantly improve their ability to perform their duties.
“I am so excited to receive this gadget. You may not know what you have done for us, but this support has truly made a difference. You have surely brought me from zero to where I am now,” Nalubwama said.
Zawedde cautioned that while the laptops are a critical enabler, they must be matched with professionalism, planning and responsiveness.
She urged officers to go beyond simply posting content and instead actively engage citizens, respond to public inquiries and counter misinformation using verified facts.
