The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, has encouraged Ugandan youth to use social media as a tool for personal development and to positively impact society.
Speaking at the commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) at Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology, Baryomunsi highlighted the importance of responsible communication.
“It is okay to give us feedback and critique what we do to put pressure on us to deliver better,” said Baryomunsi, emphasizing that constructive engagement is essential for improving governance and public service delivery.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding press freedom, crediting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for restoring such liberties. He praised media practitioners for their work but cautioned them to seek redress when their rights are violated.
He also emphasized the need for capacity-building for both journalists and law enforcement to address violent actions against journalists.
Baryomunsi urged journalists to maintain professionalism and objectivity, stressing that all sectors serve the public. “No one should claim that their work is superior to others; both of you are serving the public,” he added.
Hon. Musa Noah, MP for Koboko North, emphasized Parliament’s role in ensuring the implementation of laws that promote access to information. He also noted that telecom providers are supervised to guarantee that citizens receive quality information services.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Donald Muhwezi, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Community Liaison Officer, highlighted police efforts to provide timely information to the public, including weekly briefings and the development of the UPF Mobi app.
The app connects citizens with police stations across the country, offering services such as contacts for station heads and updates on lost and found property.
This year’s IDUAI was held under the theme, “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector.”