The government has launched a new communication policy aimed at improving public access to information, coordinating messages across government institutions and strengthening communication through digital platforms.
The National Communication Policy 2026, which was adopted by Cabinet on March 9, requires all ministries, departments, agencies, local governments and Uganda’s diplomatic missions abroad to align their communication strategies with the policy.
According to a statement issued by the Minister of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba on Tuesday, the policy is intended to help citizens understand government programmes, access information and services, and participate in decisions that affect them.
President Museveni, while presiding over the Cabinet meeting that adopted the policy, called for clear and consistent government messaging, emphasizing the need for public institutions to work together to ensure citizens understand government policies, programmes and development initiatives.
The President also pledged to increase funding for government communication.
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance will lead the implementation of the policy, coordinate government communication, set standards, follow up on Cabinet decisions and monitor compliance.
The ministry will also oversee the scheme of service governing the work and career development of government communication officers.
Under the policy, each government institution will remain responsible for explaining its programmes, preparing public information and translating or adapting messages to meet the needs of different audiences.
The ministry will support institutions to develop communication strategies aligned with the policy, while ensuring that communication is integrated into the planning, implementation and review of government programmes and projects.
Implementation will be supported by 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 will coordinate the work of the supporting institutions.
The policy was developed through consultations involving public and private sector stakeholders, including the Cabinet Secretariat, government institutions, communication professionals and the Communication and National Guidance Advisory Taskforce.
Its implementation begins immediately, with the ministry expected to organize sessions to explain the policy and guide government institutions on incorporating its requirements into their daily operations.
The policy is intended to support the priorities of the National Resistance Movement government’s 2026–2031 manifesto and the Fourth National Development Plan for 2025–2030.
