KAMPALA. Veteran journalist Alan Kasujja on Tuesday officially assumed office as Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre.
On his first day at work , Kasujja promised to strengthen government communication and position it as a key tool for nation-building.
Kasujja received instruments of power from Acting Executive Director Obed Katurebe. He replaces Ofwono Opondo, who recently transitioned into elective politics.
Appointed by President Yoweri Museveni, Kasujja brings over 25 years of experience in journalism and international broadcasting, including a 13-year stint at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC in London where he hosted Newsday and the Africa Daily podcast. Locally, he is well known for his work on Capital FM’s The Big Breakfast and The Fourth Estate, and for co-moderating Uganda’s first televised presidential debate in 2016.
In his maiden speech as UMC boss , Kasujja emphasized the importance of clear and coordinated communication in governance.
“Government communication is not a PR exercise. It is nation-building, and this has to be taken very seriously,” he said.
He warned that fragmented messaging across ministries, departments, and agencies undermines efficiency and erodes public trust. He pledged to streamline communication and ensure government speaks with one coherent voice.
Kasujja also outlined plans to strengthen the Uganda Media Centre as a reliable source of verified information, enhance its digital presence, and improve engagement with the public—particularly younger audiences. He noted that tackling misinformation and clearly explaining government policies would be central to his agenda.
“The story we tell about our country and how we tell it will shape the decade ahead,” he added.
He called for increased funding, improved infrastructure, and stronger institutional support, noting that the Media Centre cannot function effectively as a national communication hub without adequate resources. He also invited collaboration with the private sector, highlighting its role in shaping Uganda’s image and development.
East African Politics
Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, said Kasujja’s appointment signals a new phase in enhancing public communication in the digital era. He stressed the need for harmonized messaging across all government entities.
Baryomunsi revealed plans for biweekly national issue briefs and position papers to be disseminated at district level, with translations into local languages to improve accessibility.
Permanent Secretary Aminah Zawedde welcomed Kasujja’s appointment, describing effective communication as critical in today’s fast-changing information landscape. She urged staff and the wider media fraternity to support the new Executive Director in building a credible and unified government voice.
Kasujja takes on the role at a time when government is prioritizing economic growth, job creation, and household incomes, with increasing focus on how these priorities are communicated both locally and internationally.
