By Spy Uganda
Col. Edith Nakalema, the Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), on Monday evening hosted a high-level pre-election media briefing, bringing together leaders of key government agencies and senior members of the Fourth Estate in a bid to reassure the public, investors, and development partners ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The meeting, held at the SHIPU offices, was chaired by Dr. Barirega Akankwasa, the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and attracted top executives from critical sectors of the economy and public service delivery.
Among those present were Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital; Ms. Juliana Kagwa, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board; Dr. Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, Executive Director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association; Dr. Edward Katende, Executive Director of the Uganda Development Forum; and Mr. Alex Anganya, Deputy Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau.
The engagement was also attended by respected media figures including Mr. Simon Kaheru, Mr. Alan Kasujja, Mr. Ben Mwine, as well as representatives from various print, broadcast, and digital media houses.
Addressing the gathering, Col. Nakalema underscored the importance of stability, institutional continuity, and accurate information during the election period, noting that government operations will continue uninterrupted.
“It is time for all of us to protect our country and ensure a thriving investment climate,” Col. Nakalema said. “We are going to have business as usual during and after elections. Government is not closing. Offices will remain open, services will continue, and Uganda will remain open for business.”
She emphasized that elections should not be a source of fear or uncertainty, especially for investors and service users, stressing that state institutions are prepared to function fully before, during, and after the electoral process.
Col. Nakalema further highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and safeguarding national stability, noting that collaboration between government agencies and the Fourth Estate has yielded tangible results over the years.
“With the influence of the media, government agencies have achieved considerable mileage,” she said. “We continue to look to the Fourth Estate to counter misinformation, speculation, and narratives that suggest elections will disrupt service delivery or economic activity.”
She urged journalists to prioritize accuracy, balance, and patriotism, arguing that responsible reporting plays a central role in maintaining public confidence, investor trust, and social cohesion.
The heads of agencies present echoed similar sentiments, reaffirming their commitment to uninterrupted service delivery and regulatory efficiency throughout the election period. They emphasized that institutions under their leadership remain operational, accessible, and focused on their mandates.
The briefing also provided a platform for open engagement between government technocrats and the media, allowing journalists to seek clarifications on preparedness, institutional resilience, and safeguards in place to ensure continuity.
Col. Nakalema concluded by calling for unity and collective responsibility, noting that peaceful elections and sustained economic activity are shared national interests.
“Protecting Uganda’s image, its economy, and its people is not the work of one institution alone,” she said. “It is a collective duty, and the media remains one of our strongest partners in that mission.”
The pre-election engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by SHIPU to promote investor confidence, institutional coordination, and transparent communication as the country heads into a critical political season.
