Gov’t orders all agencies to align communication strategies with new policy

All government ministries, departments, agencies and local governments have been directed to align their communication strategies with the National Communication Policy 2026, in a move aimed at improving the coordination and delivery of official information to the public.

The policy, adopted by Cabinet on March 9, 2026, requires government institutions to integrate communication into the planning, implementation and review of their programmes and projects.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance on October 13, the policy is intended to ensure that citizens better understand government programmes, access public services and participate in decisions that affect them.

The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance will oversee implementation, coordinate communication across government institutions, set standards and monitor compliance with the policy.

It will also follow up on Cabinet decisions relating to government communication and administer the scheme of service governing the work and career development of government communication officers.

President Yoweri Museveni called for clear and consistent government messages when Cabinet adopted the policy, emphasising the need for government institutions to work together in explaining policies, programmes and development initiatives.

Museveni also pledged to increase funding for government communication, according to the ministry’s statement.

Under the new framework, each government institution will remain responsible for communicating its programmes and preparing information for the public. Institutions will also be expected to translate or adapt messages to suit the needs of their respective audiences.

The policy provides for coordinated implementation involving the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, Uganda Media Centre, Government Citizen Interaction Centre, Vision Group, Uganda Communications Commission, National Information Technology Authority-Uganda and the Media Council of Uganda.

A secretariat within the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance will coordinate the participating institutions.

The policy was developed through consultations with public and private sector stakeholders, including the Cabinet Secretariat, government institutions, communication professionals and the Communication and National Guidance Advisory Taskforce.

Its implementation is expected to support the priorities of the National Resistance Movement Government Manifesto 2026-2031 and the Fourth National Development Plan 2025-2030.

The ministry said implementation would begin immediately, starting with sensitisation sessions to help government institutions understand the policy and incorporate its requirements into their daily operations.

The directive places communication within the broader responsibilities of government institutions, requiring them to consider how information about public programmes is prepared, shared and reviewed rather than treating communication as a separate activity.

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