Mukono District Engages Journalists Under GKMA-UDP, Cautions Against Reporting That Disrupts Peace — RDC Ndisaba

Mukono District Local Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media as a critical partner in public information, development communication, and accountability.

This was emphasized during a media engagement meeting held at the Mukono District Headquarters in the Chief Administrative Officer’s (CAO) Boardroom, organized with support from the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area – Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP).

The engagement brought together journalists from various media houses operating within Mukono District, alongside district leadership, including the Chief Administrative Officer, District Chairperson, Resident District Commissioner (RDC), security heads, the Community Laison Officer of Mukono Police Division ASP Kasujja Shafic ,the District Community Development Officer of Ms Minisa Namukose Kirya and other senior government officials.

While opening this engagement, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Mukono representing the Chief Administrative Officer of Mukono Mr Ddamba Henry, Mr. Stephen Muhumuza, welcomed journalists and explained that the engagement aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and “humanizing” the work of journalists while acknowledging their vital role in publicizing government programs and development initiatives.

Mr. Muhumuza noted that many citizens remain unaware of government programs and ongoing projects such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, stressing that the media plays a crucial role in bridging the information gap between government and the public.

He urged journalists to uphold professionalism, patience, ethics, and truthfulness in their reporting, warning against half-baked, biased, or misleading stories. He also pledged continued cooperation and a strong working relationship between the district and the media.

The District Communication Officer, Mr. Kaddu Derrick, welcomed media practitioners and commended the good working relationship between journalists and the District Communication Unit.

He reminded journalists that Mukono is a district where people freely live, work, and execute their responsibilities, urging the media to portray a truthful and fair image of the district.

“There has been a growing tendency for some reports to be based on hearsay or personal bias rather than verified facts, and this unfortunately damages the image of our district,” Mr. Derrick noted.

While acknowledging that negative developments can also constitute news, he encouraged journalists to always ensure that their reporting is factual, balanced, and responsible so Let us love Mukono because it is our home,” he emphasized.

The Vice Chairperson of Mukono District, Hon. Kabali Joram Kimera, applauded the media for their continued contribution to development and public awareness in Mukono District and Uganda at large.

He encouraged journalists to maintain constructive engagement with district leadership and further invited those interested in advancing their academic qualifications but facing financial challenges to approach his office whenever support opportunities arise.

The Resident District Commissioner, Hajjat Fatuma Ndisaba, explained that the primary objective of the engagement was to strengthen coordination between government leaders, public servants, security agencies, and the media to improve the quality and impact of information disseminated to the public.

She cautioned journalists against publishing information that could disrupt peace and stability, urging them instead to promote balanced and responsible reporting.

Hajjat Ndisaba emphasized that while constructive criticism is important, fairness and verification are essential, noting that unbalanced reporting often distorts facts and misleads the public.

Journalists raised concerns that unbalanced reporting sometimes results from limited cooperation by certain district department heads when journalists seek comments on emerging issues.

They proposed the introduction of weekly media dialogues and feedback sessions, involving department heads and key stakeholders, to improve access to information and reduce misunderstandings.

District leaders welcomed the proposal, noting that regular engagements would strengthen trust and information flow.

GKMA-UDP Program Update

Journalists were briefed on the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area – Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP), which is being implemented across nine entities, including KCCA, Wakiso, Mukono, and Mpigi districts, as well as several metropolitan municipalities.

Under the Metropolitan Development Grant (MDG), Mukono District prioritized projects under three key pillars Mobility, Accessibility, and Connectivity Infrastructure,Urban Resilience and Environmental Management and Workspace Development and Job Creation

An update was provided by the Planner Mr Balironda Patrick of behalf of the District Planner amd the Focal Person of GKMA-UDP in Mukono Mr Collins Ssebadduka on Phase Two of the Ntenjeru–Buule Road Project, where over 64% of land acquisition consents have been secured, with 300 out of 476 affected landlords having consented.

The contract signing was completed on Wednesday, 10th December 2025, with China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group (CR5) awarded the construction contract worth UGX 32.5 billion ,Hersun Consultants Ltd appointed supervising consultant at UGX 1.04 billion and ECOSERVE Ltd appointed environmental, social, and safety consultant at UGX 897 million

The first phase of the road covers 7.8 kilometers, and the contractor is expected to achieve substantial progress well ahead of the January 2027 completion timeline.

During the engagement, journalists were recognized as critical stakeholders in public accountability and development communication, serving as Gatekeepers of public information,Drivers of public awareness and civic participation and Key partners in promoting transparency and accountability

The media engagement concluded with a shared commitment between Mukono District Local Government and media houses to strengthen collaboration, enhance information flow, and promote accurate, balanced, and timely reporting.

District leaders reaffirmed their openness and support to journalists, while media practitioners pledged to uphold professionalism, ethical standards, and factual reporting in the interest of peace, development, and good governance.

Both parties agreed that sustained dialogue and mutual respect remain essential in ensuring that information disseminated to the public contributes positively to Mukono District’s image, stability, and development.