Calls for collaboration to counter disinformation

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The Assistant Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Arua, Judith Bako, has called for stronger collaboration between government communicators and security agencies to enhance communication and counter disinformation and misinformation.

Speaking at a high-level workshop convened by the Internal Security Organization (ISO) at Desert Breeze Hotel in Arua city on Thursday (March 20), Bako urged government communicators to ensure that the public receives timely and accurate information.

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

Bako also underlined the importance of equipping government communicators with the necessary skills to handle misinformation and disinformation effectively.

“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."

The deputy RCC also expressed dissatisfaction with the many government websites that are not updated with current information, which starves the public of critical information needed to make key decisions within government and the public sectors, especially for investors.

“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 said.

The workshop, part of ISO’s ongoing efforts to streamline government communication, brought together security officers and government communicators from the West Nile region.

Maj. Edmund Turyatunga, the director of media at ISO, underscored the need for effective communication to showcase the transformation taking place 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,” he said.

Arua city’s town clerk, David Kyasanku, highlighted the direct link between security and investment.

Frank Mugabi, the president of the Government Communicator's Forum, who also doubles as the head of communications at the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), commended ISO and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance for their efforts in harmonizing government communication.

He said significant progress has been made since these engagements began in Karamoja.

“To date, we have weekly publications managed by district communication officers in Karamoja and Teso. These publications provide information on key activities occurring in these areas. This has strengthened the relevance of communication officers and improved collaboration between district technical officers to effectively communicate government programmes. This was never the case before."

Mugabi said the advent of social media has led to an increase in the proliferation of misinformation, which indiscriminately affects socio-economic development.

Participants discussed strategies to counter false narratives by proactively sharing verified and factual information through multiple media channels.

With the rise of social media, speakers emphasized the importance of government communicators engaging the public proactively, ensuring that misinformation is tackled before it spreads widely.

Similar workshops are planned for the western and central regions. 

Turyatunga said the success of these initiatives will not only improve Uganda’s global image, but also build trust and confidence among citizens in government institutions and their efforts to maintain peace, security, and development.