KAMPALA, UGANDA — The head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, is urging government institutions to improve collaboration to address the social needs of Uganda’s large youth population.
Speaking at a meeting with leaders of government agencies at the SHIPU offices in Kampala, Col. Nakalema stressed that a “united front” is essential.
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“Working together as government institutions is now more than necessary to tackle the emerging social service needs of the younger generation,” she said.
The meeting aimed to strategize on how agencies can better engage with citizens and highlight the government’s achievements. Col. Nakalema called the initiative a crucial step toward a “whole of government approach” to service delivery.
Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, executive director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), said the collaboration brings together like-minded leaders to conceptualize ideas for socioeconomic transformation. He urged leaders to leverage their influence within their communities.
Prof. Bruce Kirenga, principal of Makerere University College of Health Sciences, called for quick implementation of these strategies. “Get the right channel to deliver the information to the public on what your agency has done, like the media,” he said.
Mercy Kainobwisho, registrar general of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), suggested a sector-based achievement strategy that simplifies information for the public through community engagements.
Dr. Ezra Muhumuza, executive director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), added that government ministries and agencies have a civic duty to update the public on the progress of the elected manifesto.
Other leaders at the meeting echoed these sentiments. Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka, CEO of the National Housing and Construction Company Uganda, urged his colleagues to package information in a positive way. Dr. Edward Katende, executive director of the Uganda Development Forum, emphasized the need to explain how government strategies, such as the 10-fold growth plan, will translate into real economic benefits for citizens.
Marcella Karekye, director of the Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GCIC), advised leaders to avoid releasing unnecessary information that could be counterproductive. She also suggested that agencies conduct regional tours to engage with the public and raise awareness of government accomplishments.
