The Director of Defence Public Information, Major General Felix Kulayigye, has called on Public Information Officers from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force (UPF), and other security agencies to uphold professionalism, impartiality, and constitutional responsibility in their work.
Addressing 58 officers in Jinja during a five-day training on Strategic Communication and Defence Engagement, Maj Gen Kulayigye stressed the need to safeguard national security while maintaining institutional neutrality and public trust, especially during times of crisis. “We have a unique opportunity to communicate our roles with clarity and precision. By doing so, we can protect our integrity and counter misinformation and disinformation, which often seek to undermine the neutrality of our security forces in today’s rapidly evolving information landscape,” he said.
He urged participants to close information gaps in defence and security, noting that effective communication is vital in protecting sovereignty, securing borders, and safeguarding critical infrastructure. “You play a vital role in fostering public understanding of our mission by effectively utilising communication channels across the country,” he added.
Maj Gen Kulayigye further underscored accuracy, transparency, and adherence to the Constitution as essential tools for building institutional credibility and dispelling rumours and fake news.
At the same workshop, communication consultant Ms Audrey Lang highlighted the importance of effective messaging in strengthening public trust. “Your approach as information officers significantly influences how your messages resonate with audiences. Clear and accurate communication is essential to establish trust and foster positive relationships,” she said.
Ms Lang encouraged officers to adopt active listening and to strengthen engagement with the public, particularly on social media, as a way of bridging information gaps and clarifying institutional actions.
The week-long workshop brought together officers from the UPDF, UPF, and other security agencies to enhance their skills in strategic communication and defence engagement.
