By Diana.N.King
In a renewed push to strengthen public accountability and improve communication of government achievements, Col. Edith Nakalema, head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), convened a high-level meeting of leaders from various government agencies and media institutions. The session focused on evaluating progress in government service delivery and identifying more effective ways to share these successes with the public.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Akankwasa Barirega, the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). In his remarks, Dr. Barirega applauded Col. Nakalema for her unwavering commitment to bringing together different sectors of government for open and coordinated dialogue. He emphasized that such engagements are essential for harmonising government messaging and ensuring that Ugandans receive accurate information on national programs and reforms.
Dr. Barirega also expressed appreciation to the agency heads present, noting that their consistent participation reflects a shared dedication to strengthening transparency and public trust. He encouraged continued collaboration across government institutions, arguing that clear communication of achievements is as important as effective implementation.
One of the highlights of the meeting was a discussion on national security and its role in enabling social and economic development. Mr. Bashaasha Willis, Director of the Manifesto Implementation Unit, commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force for their well-executed security strategy during the recent election season. He noted that the forces’ preparedness and professionalism offered the country much-needed stability.
According to Mr. Bashaasha, a secure environment is a critical foundation for Uganda’s development aspirations. He said that the successful handling of security operations not only assured citizens of their safety but also created a favourable climate for businesses to operate and for communities to carry out day-to-day activities with confidence. He stressed that sustained peace is essential for attracting investment, improving livelihoods, and advancing government development priorities.
The meeting also examined Uganda’s ongoing efforts to empower young people. Mr. Hez Kimoomi Alinda, Executive Director of the Uganda Free Zones Authority, highlighted the central role of technology in shaping the future of the workforce. “Technology offers significant opportunities for the youth, who bring creativity and innovation to every endeavour,” he said.
Mr. Alinda urged government agencies to explore more practical avenues for nurturing youth-led innovation, including training initiatives, mentorship, and expanded access to digital tools. He underscored the need for policies that position young Ugandans to compete effectively in a fast-changing global economy. With the right support, he added, Uganda’s youth can drive economic growth, create jobs, and contribute to national transformation.
Participants agreed that the meeting demonstrated the value of cross-sector coordination in strengthening government performance. By bringing implementers and communicators into the same room, the discussions helped clarify priorities, streamline communication channels, and reinforce the importance of unified messaging.
Organizers described the engagement as part of a broader government effort to improve service delivery transparency. Regular interactions between agencies, they said, ensure that progress made in sectors such as security, environment, youth empowerment, and economic development is accurately captured and shared with the public. This, in turn, fosters a more informed citizenry and reinforces accountability at all levels.
In closing the session, officials reiterated the need for sustained collaboration across government institutions. They emphasized that delivering services effectively is only one part of good governance—communicating those achievements clearly and consistently is equally crucial. The forum ended with a collective commitment to continue bridging gaps, strengthening public outreach, and ensuring that government programs reach and benefit all Ugandans.