ICT ministry urges editors to guard against misinformation

What the report says

Officials from Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance have called on editors and other information stakeholders to tighten fact-checking and publish responsibly, saying misinformation can harm the country’s reputation at home and abroad. The remarks were reported by Nile Post and were made in the context of rising concerns about false and manipulated content spreading quickly through digital platforms.

According to the article, Permanent Secretary Dr Aminah Zawedde told editors that misleading information can have consequences beyond individual media houses, especially when it portrays Uganda negatively. She linked the issue to a changing media environment in which traditional outlets now operate alongside social media, citizen journalism, influencers and AI-generated content. Zawedde urged newsroom leaders to be more careful when verifying material before publication, particularly because content can circulate widely and rapidly online.

The report also quotes Andrew Ojok Oulanyah, chairperson of Parliament’s ICT and National Guidance committee, who said information can shape decisions long after it is first published. He encouraged editors to recognise the long-term responsibility that comes with deciding what reaches the public.

The discussion reflects broader media and governance concerns in Uganda and elsewhere about verification, public trust and the speed at which unverified claims can spread. The article frames the ministry’s appeal as part of efforts to help newsrooms adapt to a more complex information landscape.