On July 11, at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expressed concern over the detrimental effects of irresponsible media coverage on Uganda’s development and reputation.
During a meeting with government communicators, led by Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), President Museveni condemned certain media houses for distorting facts and creating harmful narratives. He cited an incident from 1989, when efforts to commercialize milk production in the cattle corridor were undermined by misleading media coverage.
“In 1989, we began acquiring Friesian cows to boost milk production. However, as milk volumes increased, prices dropped. We sought to diversify milk products, leasing the Uganda Dairy Corporation factory to an investor from Thailand. Unfortunately, a journalist’s misleading headline ‘Uganda Sells Uganda Dairy Corporation for $1’—caused public outcry, deterring the investor,” recounted President Museveni. It took four more years to secure another investor from India.
President Museveni emphasized that irresponsible journalism can have long-term detrimental effects on the economy. “This irresponsibility is very dangerous. I fully support forming a committee to address this issue,” he stated.
Mr. Rwabwogo noted that despite efforts to improve Uganda’s international image through media engagements, local media often undermines these efforts. “Only 12% of citizens have a positive view of the government, and 78% of online messages reflect negative perceptions about Uganda. For example, a recent headline stated, ‘Uganda Supplies Condoms Instead of Sanitary Pads,’ which harms our image,” he explained.
He called for centralized government communications to ensure cohesive messaging and mitigate negative impacts. He proposed robust daily research, immediate responses to negative news, and sensitizing public sector officials on the damage caused by irresponsible reporting. “We need to coach cabinet members in international communication practices and extend this training to local governments,” Mr. Rwabwogo noted.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold monthly cabinet discussions on Uganda’s global perception and strategies for improvement. “We are seeking a unified communication strategy to protect and promote our country. Investors get tired and move away if we don’t act quickly,” Mr. Rwabwogo added.
President Museveni and participants emphasized the need for order and discipline in media reporting to safeguard Uganda’s economic progress and democratic values.
The meeting was attended by notable figures including Col. Edith Nakalema, head of the State House Investors Protection Unit; Ms. Marcella Karekye, Special Presidential Assistant in charge of Communications and Director of the Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GCIC); Assistant Commissioner of Police Kituuma Rusoke, Public Relations Officer of the Uganda Police Force; Mr. Ofwono Opondo, Executive Director of Uganda Media Centre; Mr. Sandor Walusimbi, Senior Press Secretary to H.E the President; Mr. Amos Wekesa, proprietor of Great Lakes Safaris (Tourism); and Mr. Emmanuel Ainebyoona, Senior Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Health, among others.
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President Museveni Criticizes Irresponsible Media Coverage Impacting Uganda’s Reputation
