UPDF publicists train in media planning and management

PIC: UPDF communications personnel under training with their superiors at Mbuya, Kampala (Courtesy photo)

CAPACITY BUILDING

KAMAPALA - Uganda People’s Defence Forces public relations officers from all UPDF units and formations and the civilian media staff have converged at Rivonia suitesin Mbuya, Kampala for a three-day training in media planning and management.

Opening the training, the chief of training and recruitment, Brig. Jimmy Willis Byarugaba, called on the participants to take the training seriously because there will be no excuse for any communication mishaps about the Ministry of Defence and UPDF thereafter.

“As the ministry and UPDF mouth-piece, say what you are sure of not hearsay from media platforms since it will reflect on you and more importantly, on the institution you speak for. You should always consult your superiors because no communication mishaps will be tolerated,” Byarugaba warned.

He also announced that war of armed conflict is almost over, but war of words is on the rise. Such wars are political and economic in nature, citing the recent incident in abductors ask for financial ransoms.

Also to witness the opening ceremony was the defence spokesperson Brig Richard Karemire, who encouraged the publicists to come out of the training better communicators, who are competent and resourceful.

The three-day training has attracted communication experts from prominent institutions and government bodies as facilitators.

Among them is Ms Robie Kakonge,  the director communications in the security ministry, Ramathan Goobi, Adolf Mbaine of Makerere University communications department and Bart Kakooza of Media Plus.