The District Information Officers of Uganda remain on track in as far at the formation of their Association goes.
For two days: 17-18th June 2009, they were glad to hold a consultative meeting with the Minister of Information and National Guidance, Hon. Kabakumba Winnie Matsiko.
There was a lot to discuss, of course, like how they are the agents of change and how professional commitment is a must if they are going to help all sectors at the district make the Prosperity-for-All program and others bear fruit by taking helpful information to the people, and also updating the government on the progress.
But then again, these information purveyors expressed their dissatisfaction at the inexistence of support; saying it was almost impossible to execute their duties because of the poor pay and the lack of field equipments like cameras, recorders and computers. Good news: the ministry promised to look into the matter!
No one can deny the power of information and once the government has empowered these learned officers, it is sure to reap big, especially as it will be receiving daily updates on how its programs are doing, whether the implementers are accountable and transparent. It will be one of the ways of fighting corruption at the district level as well.
Meanwhile, a handbook of DIOs is being written and will be launched alongside the association later this year.
