Ofwono Opondo new Media Centre boss

KAMPALA - Ofwono Opondo is the new head of the Uganda Media Centre and will be deputised by former army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Shaban Bantariza.

Ofwono, who has for some time been the deputy spokesperson of the National Resistance Movement party, also becomes the government spokesperson.

According to a source, the position of government spokesperson is a new portfolio that has been created with the aim of assisting the Minister of Information and National Guidance to manage the information needs of the Government.

Fred Opolot, who has been heading the centre, confirmed the changes and said he was waiting for his new appointment.

The Uganda Media centre was established in September 2005 by President Museveni. Its main role is to introduce professional management of government media relations.

The institution operates outside ordinary public service structures. Among other roles, the centre provides professional media and communication services to government departments.

It prepares and manages government briefings and also accredits foreign journalists who wish to operate in the country.