Parliament has endorsed a budget allocation of sh23.7 billion to bolster the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance in its efforts to enhance communication of government programs and national guidance outreach. The decision comes following a recommendation from the budget committee, which underscored the need to strengthen mobilization efforts for national development campaigns in the fiscal year 2024/25.
The approved funding aims to address the absence of non-wage recurrent budgets for critical entities such as the Uganda Media Center, Media Council, and the Departments of Information Dissemination and National Guidance within the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. Chairing the committee, Kachumbala County MP Patrick Isiagi Opolot emphasized the importance of funding these units to facilitate the dissemination of information and the promotion of government initiatives effectively.
Opolot highlighted the necessity of allocating resources to support the operations of these units, emphasizing their role in creating awareness and popularizing government programs. The sh23.7 billion allocation for the 2024/25 financial year will cover various communication requirements essential for effective engagement with citizens and media outlets.
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance is tasked with providing professional media and communication services across government departments, fostering robust communication channels between the government and the media, and integrating Uganda’s international marketing efforts into the broader government communication strategy. Adequate funding is essential to support these vital functions and ensure efficient communication of government policies and initiatives.
