KAMPALA (UGNEWSINE) — The Ugandan government has launched a new national communication policy aimed at improving public access to information, harmonising official messages across government institutions and strengthening communication through digital platforms.
The National Communication Policy 2026, launched on 13 October, requires all ministries, departments, agencies and local governments to integrate communication into the planning, implementation and review of their programmes and projects.
The policy was adopted by Cabinet on 9 March 2026 and is intended to help citizens better understand government programmes, access public services and participate in decisions that affect their lives.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who called for clear and consistent government messaging during the Cabinet meeting that approved the policy, emphasised the need for government institutions to coordinate their communication efforts.
He also pledged to increase funding for government communication.
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance will lead the implementation of the policy, coordinate communication across government, establish standards and monitor compliance.
Justine Kasule Lumumba, the ICT and National Guidance Minister, said the ministry will also oversee the implementation of Cabinet decisions related to communication and administer the scheme of service for government communication officers.
She noted that under the new framework, individual government institutions will remain responsible for explaining their programmes, preparing public information and adapting messages to suit the needs of different audiences.
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.
She noted that a secretariat within the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance will coordinate their activities.
Lumumba explained that 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.
All government ministries, agencies and local governments are required to align their communication strategies with the policy, which supports the priorities outlined in the National Resistance Movement Government Manifesto for 2026–2031 and the Fourth National Development Plan for 2025–2030.
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre in Nakasero, Kampala, Lumumba noted that implementation begins immediately, with the ministry set to organise sessions to familiarise government institutions with the policy and help them incorporate its requirements into their daily operations.
The launch was attended by officials from the Ministry of ICT and Natiobal Guidance, and other government communication and media institutions.
