Masaka City Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Washaki Ahamada has called upon government communication personnel to play a proactive role in shaping the national narrative by disseminating timely and factual information, cautioning that inaction allows misinformation and public uncertainty to thrive.
Ahamada made the remarks while officiating the opening of a two-day strategic retreat for District Communication Officers (DCOs) and District Internal Security Officers (DISOs) from the Greater Masaka and Greater Mpigi regions. The retreat, hosted at Zebra Hotel from June 4th to 5th, 2025, was convened by the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance in partnership with the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and the Government Citizens Interaction Centre (GCIC). Its aim is to enhance synergy between communication and security to foster public trust and national cohesion.
In his address, Ahamada warmly welcomed participants and expressed gratitude to ISO Director General Mr. Mugyenyi Arthur and the President of Uganda for selecting Masaka as the host city. “This is a moment for us to reassert our significance,” he remarked, noting how his perspective shifted after observing the success of similar initiatives in Teso and Karamoja. “Information is the backbone of institutional performance. We must use this platform to broadcast the truth and support Uganda’s socio-economic advancement,” he emphasized.
He highlighted the crucial link between information flow and national security, referencing the disruption of a terrorist plan during Martyrs’ Day celebrations as a result of coordinated intelligence and effective communication. “There was a threat, we responded, we informed, and the public felt secure,” he recounted.
Ahamada underscored the urgency of combating misinformation and promoting positive narratives. He cited a conversation with a local pharmacist who noted that government hospitals had medical supplies, but public turnout was low due to the absence of accurate information. “If we remain silent, the public fills the gap with fear and speculation,” he said.
He urged communication officers to utilize digital platforms and social media to authentically represent Greater Masaka’s story. “Increase visibility. Be bold. Spread facts loudly,” he challenged.
Major Edmund from ISO offered insights into the agency’s mandate, including addressing internal threats such as terrorism, graft, and negative media portrayals. He stressed that ISO’s outreach to district communication teams was intentional, as most government programmes are implemented at local levels. “Security and communication must go hand in hand to restore confidence and stimulate development,” he stated.
The retreat also addressed the need to enhance collaboration between DCOs and DISOs, clarified their respective roles, and promoted a shift from populist communication approaches toward outcome-driven messaging. Key discussions revolved around harnessing AI technologies, aligning communication efforts with government service delivery, and amplifying the impact of strategic storytelling at both local and national levels.
Participants are expected to return to their respective districts with fresh motivation, equipped with actionable strategies and tools to amplify truth and positive impact.
This engagement follows a series of similar retreats jointly organized by ISO, the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, GCIC, and the Government Communicators Forum (GCOF) in Karamoja, Teso, West Nile, and Mbarara. These gatherings aim to rejuvenate the communications sector at the grassroots level and promote awareness of government projects, development prospects, and investment opportunities across the globe.
