The Association of District Information Officers-Uganda

Thursday March 26, 2009, witnessed the first workshop in which participants from various districts discussed the proposed set up of the Association of District Information Officers (DIOs) of Uganda, its intended goal, objectives and registration process.

The meeting which took place at Nakawa House in Kampala, was meant to be attended by ten DIOs but Mr. Michael Kidon, the Moroto District DIO got a car accident and was rushed to hospital. Also missing in action was the DIO Rukungiri district, Cris Magooba. Thus the attendees were:

• Douglas Otim – Lira district
• Francis Okiror – DIO, Pallisa
• Proscovia Basangwa – DIO, Wakiso
• Godfrey Odiya – DIO, Nebbi
• Allan Turyaguma – DIO, Kamwenge
• Gladys Baligonzaki – DIO, Masindi
• Dan Outa – DIO, Kumi
• Fred Sooma – ADIO, Iganga
• Frida Sengooba – Senior Information Officer, Directorate of Information and National Guidance.

The meeting kicked off at 5: 30pm, chaired by the buoyant the Senior Information Officer of Mukono District, Mr. Ssewanyo Kiganda [pictured].

Below are the deliberations:

Ms. Frida Sengooba, from the Directorate of Information and National Guidance, pledged her support for the initiative. She reiterated the crucial role played by DIOs, admitting that without information flow so many government programs cannot take off. She was happy, she said, that the new Minister of Information Hon. Kabakumba Matsiko, is enthusiastic about supporting DIOs, to reinstate them as the link between the central government and the local governments because policies are formulated centrally and implemented and DIOs are middlemen in this regard.

Mr. Francis Okiror -District Information Officer, Pallisa, representing DIOs, presented a concept paper on the important role DIOs play in spreading information on development issues in the areas of education, poverty eradication, health, democracy and good governance. Today, he said, DIOs are not playing their role because of lack of support and recognition. First, he took members down memory lane to the days when DIOs were news gatherers for the national broadcaster – the then Uganda Television and Radio Uganda. Unfortunately, that linkage between the information ministry and DIOs was cut off by the decentralization process in the early 1990s.

He lamented that DIOs have been "disowned by their mother ministry", they are disregarded at the district by their superiors, are not facilitated to do their work and have been turned into praise singers of district chairmen.

He also regretted the inexistence of an information policy and communication strategy –a thing that has perpetuated the sprouting of makeshift video halls in districts that largely screen crime, war and pornographic films which have corrupted the morals of many young people in addition to fomenting idleness. Alluding to the fact that Information is still a cornerstone of development, he argued that the formation of the association of DIOs will assuage the situation by drawing a communications strategy and information program to regulate video halls as well as help in working with FM radio stations at the district to relay development messages.

Members backed him up saying the Association will provide a platform for DIOs to lobby local governments to recognize the role of DIOs. And situations like district chairmen addressing journalists without informing DIOs won't arise again. The Association, they agreed, will help the DIOs to network, share experiences, support and advise one another and draw a common framework to guide the dissemination of information, facilitate and enhance ethical and professional reporting as well as improve their wellbeing.

With E-governance beginning to take root in the country, this will be an opportunity as well for DIOs to use their training, experience and professionalism to help brand and promote the unique beauty and potential of their districts on blogs, and by writing stories and opinion articles and having them published in the mainstream local and international newspapers. This will interest potential investors or tourists to the districts –which will lead to development and social transformation.

On his part, Caleb Mugisha, a lawyer, told members about the legal framework that will guide the association; how the association will be structured and managed, membership and its validity, advising that cohesion in the Association means strength.

Mr. Robert Kabushenga, the CEO of The New Vision echoed the importance of DIOs in relaying government programs to the locals. He said DIOs should be the ones giving information to reporters, adding that New Vision will gladly publish their stories. He advised that the Association should be in business by September 2009.

The eventful meeting was adjourned at 6:30pm, with the selection of working committee consisting of the chairperson, the publicity secretary and members:

• Proscovia Basangwa -Chaiperson
• Gladys Baligonzaki -In charge of publicity
• Francis Okiror -Member Steering Committee
• Frida Sengooba -Member Steering Committee
  

It was unanimously agreed upon that the launch of the Association of District Information Offices – Uganda be scheduled for September 2009, after consultations and engagement of the Office of the Prime Minister (the parent ministry), along side all Information Officers and other important partners like the Uganda Media Centre.

Outstandingly, the formation of the Association will go a long way in improving the relationship between the central government and the local government offices, and through training and public awareness workshops, the media and the general public will be sure to get useful updates on development issues and other interesting stories and happenings countrywide.

Compiled by: Dennis D. Muhumuza and Brian Rwehabura