Science & Tech
ICT ministers visit Vision Group, promise support
“As a company, Vision Group’s vision is to become a centre of excellence for customised communication and business solutions. We are not only focused on media but also on providing other business solutions related to communication," Wanyama said.
(L-R) Line minister Justine Kasule Lumumba, Vision Group CEO and managing director Don Wanyama, state minister (ICT) Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, and Vision Group Editor-in Chief Sydney Miria touring the company. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
By: Charles Etukuri, Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - Uganda's ministers of ICT and National Guidance visited multimedia company Vision Group on Tuesday (August 4), during which they thanked the management and staff for their role in telling Uganda's story and communicating government policies.
Line minister Justine Kasule Lumumba took the tour in the company of state ministers Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo (ICT) and Yorke Odria Alioni (National Guidance).
The ministers were received by Vision Group CEO and managing director Don Wanyama and staff.
Lumumba said the ICT ministry would work with the media company to address all the challenges raised. (All Photos by Miriam Namutebi)
On his part, Wanyama said the company has since diversified and brought on board several other business ventures.
They voiced their commitment to working with Vision Group to support its growth and development and also thanked the company for standing firm amidst the environment of fake news and always publishing the truth.
Vision Group, which started operations in 1986, marked 40 years of existence in March this year.
It remains the most dominant media house in Uganda, with the recent survey by IPSOS released in June this year indicating that out of 30 million Ugandans who consume news daily, Vision Group commands 56 percent of that audience.
Vision Group Editor-in Chief Sydney Miria (L) welcomed the ministers upon their arrival, prior to touring the company.
On his part, Wanyama said the company has since diversified and brought on board several other business ventures.
“As a company, Vision Group’s vision is to become a centre of excellence for customised communication and business solutions. We are not only focused on media but also on providing other business solutions related to communication," he said.
He said that while many people believe that digital platforms are the solution because they reduce printing costs, digital media also comes with its own challenges.
“Monetising digital content remains difficult. There is the issue of data costs, changing consumer behaviour, and a culture where many people believe online information should be free.
“We have several ideas that we would like to share, especially around areas such as education products. Our commercial printing division has the capacity to support areas like packaging for medical products, but we face challenges competing with imported materials that enter the country duty-free. This makes it difficult for local manufacturers like us to compete fairly."
Wanyama also appealed to the minister to support in following up on the presidential directive in reviving Vision Group's rural papers, saying that even though the President had directed money towards supporting the publications to be released, the funds were never remitted.
Lumumba said the ICT ministry would work with the media company to address all the challenges raised.
“We understand a little bit of the challenges because we were not in the sector, with the exception of minister Ssebugwawo. As people who are also in the private sector in one way or another, we know the challenges that people are faced with, though not in detail," she said.
"We want to thank you for the work you are doing. We are supposed to work with you to make this place better, to generate money for the welfare of the people who are working here, generate taxes for Government, but most importantly to meet the intention of the people who set up this institution."
'Voice of our people'
“Monetising digital content remains difficult. There is the issue of data costs, changing consumer behaviour, and a culture where many people believe online information should be free.
Ssebugwawo said it was an honour to visit the company and see the place where the Ugandan leading newspaper comes to life.
“We have several ideas that we would like to share, especially around areas such as education products. Our commercial printing division has the capacity to support areas like packaging for medical products, but we face challenges competing with imported materials that enter the country duty-free. This makes it difficult for local manufacturers like us to compete fairly."
Wanyama also appealed to the minister to support in following up on the presidential directive in reviving Vision Group's rural papers, saying that even though the President had directed money towards supporting the publications to be released, the funds were never remitted.
Lumumba said the ICT ministry would work with the media company to address all the challenges raised.
Vision Group's Deputy Editor-in Chief Felix Osike remarks
“We understand a little bit of the challenges because we were not in the sector, with the exception of minister Ssebugwawo. As people who are also in the private sector in one way or another, we know the challenges that people are faced with, though not in detail," she said.
"We want to thank you for the work you are doing. We are supposed to work with you to make this place better, to generate money for the welfare of the people who are working here, generate taxes for Government, but most importantly to meet the intention of the people who set up this institution."
'Voice of our people'
Ssebugwawo said it was an honour to visit the company and see the place where the Ugandan leading newspaper comes to life.
"I also want to recognise the hard work of everyone; from the reporters, editors to printers because without you, our nation's story would not be told.
"For many years, you have been more than a newspaper. You have been a keeper of our history and the voice of our people. To the Government, you are a trusted partner, and we look to you to report the truth and inform our people clearly and to hold us accountable with fairness. We expect you to be the bridge, taking Government policies and presenting them in a way every citizen can understand.”
Ssebugwawo said the government was working towards moving the Government from paper to digital.
“As a leading newspaper, you are not just a reporter of this transformation but a partner in it. We need you to tell the story of a digital Uganda, explain what e-government means, show how digital services can change lives and carry the message to every corner of this country.
“I also want to thank you. In a world full of false news, you have stood firm on the truth. You have shown our country by not hiding the bad past but also celebrating our victories. You have shown a Uganda that is strong, hopeful, and that is moving forward. You are the guardian of our nation, and you have carried this mission with honesty. For that, the Government and all Ugandans are very grateful,” added Ssebugwawo.
On his part, Alioni said: “We are all aware of our mission and vision 2040 to take the GDP of this country. We are looking at taking the GDP of this country to $500 billion, and we are left with 14 years to do that.
"What are some of the ways to achieve this? Government-public partnerships, and that is exactly what Government is doing. If I look at our achievements, we can clearly see that you are one of the biggest taxpayers in this country. Look at the aspect of jobs, you are permanently employing over 462 Ugandans. How many Ugandans know you are doing this?”
Alioni thanked Vision Group for its excellent programmes like Harvest Money that had helped many people invest in the agricultural sector.
"I also want to recognise the hard work of everyone; from the reporters, editors to printers because without you, our nation's story would not be told.
"For many years, you have been more than a newspaper. You have been a keeper of our history and the voice of our people. To the Government, you are a trusted partner, and we look to you to report the truth and inform our people clearly and to hold us accountable with fairness. We expect you to be the bridge, taking Government policies and presenting them in a way every citizen can understand.”
Ssebugwawo said the government was working towards moving the Government from paper to digital.
“As a leading newspaper, you are not just a reporter of this transformation but a partner in it. We need you to tell the story of a digital Uganda, explain what e-government means, show how digital services can change lives and carry the message to every corner of this country.
Vision Group's Penlope Nankunda (L), the Content Manager Digital Hub (Content Generation) greets officials as they toured Vision Group.
“I also want to thank you. In a world full of false news, you have stood firm on the truth. You have shown our country by not hiding the bad past but also celebrating our victories. You have shown a Uganda that is strong, hopeful, and that is moving forward. You are the guardian of our nation, and you have carried this mission with honesty. For that, the Government and all Ugandans are very grateful,” added Ssebugwawo.
On his part, Alioni said: “We are all aware of our mission and vision 2040 to take the GDP of this country. We are looking at taking the GDP of this country to $500 billion, and we are left with 14 years to do that.
"What are some of the ways to achieve this? Government-public partnerships, and that is exactly what Government is doing. If I look at our achievements, we can clearly see that you are one of the biggest taxpayers in this country. Look at the aspect of jobs, you are permanently employing over 462 Ugandans. How many Ugandans know you are doing this?”
Alioni thanked Vision Group for its excellent programmes like Harvest Money that had helped many people invest in the agricultural sector.