Government has introduced a new technology aimed at regulating and organizing the use of social media, as well as improving communication structures across its ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
Under the newly adopted National Communications Policy, which Cabinet approved this week, government institutions will implement digital systems designed to filter inappropriate or offensive content posted on individual social media platforms while ensuring coordinated official messaging across all MDAs.
While speaking to the media during an Iftar dinner organized by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, said the move is intended to ensure that information shared, especially through social media accounts, remains professional, accurate and consistent with national communication standards.
“Communication today is evolving rapidly, with much of it taking place on digital platforms. Government must adjust to these changes in order to communicate effectively, especially since social media has become a major channel through which citizens receive information,” Dr Baryomunsi said.
What is in the policy?
According to Dr Baryomunsi, the policy proposes the introduction of technology that will streamline the management of official social media accounts used by public institutions and individuals.
“The technology will help to monitor content and filter posts that may be considered offensive, misleading or harmful. Such content will be removed from social platforms,” he said.
He added that the new systems will also guide how communication officers within government institutions manage and publish content on official digital platforms in a uniform manner.
“Social media has created opportunities for rapid communication, but it has also presented challenges. Some individuals post content that is offensive or inappropriate. We are therefore introducing technology that will help filter such information,” Dr Baryomunsi explained.
He noted that government communication is currently managed by spokespersons across different ministries, departments, agencies and local governments. The new policy forms part of a broader framework aimed at harmonising communication within the public sector.
“As government, we have many MDAs and each has spokespersons, but the goal of this policy is to ensure that we communicate in a coordinated way and deliver consistent messages,” Dr Baryomunsi said.
He added that although these offices play an important role in sharing information, there has been a need to strengthen coordination so that government institutions speak with one voice.
Why the policy is being introduced
Dr Baryomunsi said the policy also aims to integrate digital communication with traditional media so that different audiences across the country can be reached effectively.
“Although social media and online platforms are growing quickly in influence, many Ugandans still depend on radio, television and print media as their main sources of information. That is why we want the policy to bridge this gap,” he said.
He explained that the new framework will ensure government communication strategies incorporate both digital and traditional channels.
“We want to combine digital communication with traditional media because audiences are different. Some people get information online while others still rely on newspapers,” Dr Baryomunsi said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Aminah Zawedde, said the ministry remains committed to helping government institutions adopt modern communication systems.
She noted that digitisation is increasingly becoming an important part of efficient public service delivery.
“We continue to support ministries, departments and agencies to digitise their operations and communicate effectively with the public,” Dr Zawedde said.
According to her, adopting digital tools will help improve transparency, efficiency and coordination in government communication.
She added that stronger communication systems will also make it easier for citizens to access accurate information about government programmes and services.
“Effective communication ensures that the public clearly understands government initiatives and policies,” she said.
Dr Zawedde further noted that although Public Relations offices play a key role in sharing information, there has been a need to improve coordination so that government institutions deliver unified messages.
“If implemented effectively, the framework is expected to bridge the gap between traditional communication systems and the rapidly growing digital environment,” she said.
She explained that the policy will ultimately ensure that information shared with the public is accurate, coordinated and accessible to all Ugandans.
The introduction of the National Communications Policy comes at a time when the influence of digital platforms in governance and public engagement is expanding rapidly.
