MPs cautioned on reckless comments, personal etiquette
MPs were advised not to grant interviews to the press on matters they barely understand.
A cross-section of Members of Parliament attending the final day of the MPs' induction seminar at Speke Resort, Munyonyo in Kampala on July 4, 2026. (Credit: Parliament of Uganda)
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Ugandan Members of Parliament have been cautioned against making careless comments on media platforms and in public.
“Please, you are custodians of Parliament’s image," said Grace Gidudu, the assistant director in charge of public and corporate affairs at Parliament, told lawmakers on Saturday (July 4), the fifth and final day of induction of MPs at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
"When faced with a PR (public relations) challenge, sometimes, like recently, we had PR challenges, don’t just go and comment in the media. Verify your facts from the relevant offices and persons," she urged.
"Here, I want to say that the chief spokesperson of the institution is definitely the head of the institution, the Speaker of Parliament. The Clerk to Parliament, as chief administrative officer, is also responsible for the communication docket and further delegates it to the director of public affairs and corporate affairs.
“Those are just some of the offices you can go to and ask for verification if you are not sure about certain facts. Do not shoot yourself in the foot. Please support institutional credibility through responsible communication."
Double-edged sword
Gidudu said that while the media is essential for the growth of a politician’s profile, like a double-edged sword, it must be handled with care.
“As one of the speakers said, the media can set your career on a very high trajectory. But in just a short instance, they can also down your career, and you are finished. It is important to be well coached and structure our engagement with the media."
MPs were advised not to grant interviews to the press on matters they barely understand.
The emphasis here is the importance of preparation and specialisation when dealing with press interviews.
Etiquette
Kazo County MP Dan Atwebembeire Kimosho argued that some of the public backlash stems from a lack of personal etiquette among MPs themselves, citing issues such as personal hygiene.
“Media is indeed very sensitive and I really want to ask of you. There a very few things that make us look very bad but sometimes we don’t mind them. You start yawning and the cameras are all over Parliament," he told the session.
"Then nose picking. Someone goes in his nose the whole session and the cameras are on them and that's what comes out.
“I heard the Deputy Speaker recently say that food that they used to serve in committees is likely to stop. But if it is still there, someone serves a heap and I am not tampering, with your appetite. I am just saying pick one by one, slowly," said Kimosho.
"If they [cameras] capture, they capture one. When they capture a heap, it is what goes in the media and makes news. Because we are Members of Parliament and it’s a fraternity. It is one person who has picked five sumbis (samosas) but it has become a parliamentary issue."