Africa-Press – Uganda. The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Director of Defence Public Information, Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, has urged Public Information Officers from Uganda’s security agencies to uphold professionalism, impartiality, and constitutional responsibility in their communication roles.
Kulayige made the call while addressing 58 officers from the UPDF, Uganda Police Force (UPF), and other security institutions during a five-day training workshop on Strategic Communication and Defence Engagement in Jinja.
Kulayigye emphasised that information officers carry a unique responsibility in safeguarding national security while ensuring institutional neutrality and maintaining public trust—especially in moments 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 further urged the officers to close communication gaps within the defence and security sector, stressing that effective messaging is critical to protecting sovereignty, securing borders, and safeguarding vital infrastructure.
“You play a vital role in fostering public understanding of our mission by effectively utilising communication channels across the country,” Kulayigye said, adding that accuracy, transparency, and adherence to the Constitution remain essential to building credibility and countering rumours and fake news.
The workshop also featured a session led by communication consultant Audrey Lang, who highlighted the importance of impactful messaging in strengthening public trust. She advised participants to adopt active listening, embrace social media engagement, and ensure clarity in their communication to effectively bridge information gaps.
“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,” Lang said.
The week-long training brought together officers from the UPDF, UPF, and other security agencies with the aim of enhancing their skills in strategic communication and defence engagement, ultimately strengthening the link between the security forces and the public they serve.
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