Uganda’s Information Minister, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has publicly revealed the immense challenges he faces in his role, describing himself as “the most abused minister” in President Yoweri Museveni’s entire government.
During an appearance on the popular Saturday Capital Gang program, Baryomunsi shared how he personally told President Museveni about the pressures and difficulties he experiences daily as the government’s spokesperson.
The Minister explained that the role is extremely complicated because it requires defending government positions on multiple fronts, often under intense scrutiny from the public, opposition, and international observers.
Baryomunsi said that despite the constant criticism and public abuse, he has “grown a thick skin” and is now used to the pressures that come with his office.
He assured the President that he can handle the job without being discouraged.
He described his work as not only the hardest portfolio in the Cabinet but also the most demanding, requiring careful coordination with numerous government agencies, media outlets, and international partners.
The Information Minister specifically highlighted how Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s tweets have made his job even more challenging.
He noted that when the Chief of Defence Forces posts controversial statements, it often contradicts official government messaging.
Baryomunsi recalled a recent BBC interview where he attempted to assure the public that opposition leader Bobi Wine was a free man. At the same time, Gen. Muhoozi had publicly declared Bobi Wine a wanted man, creating a contradiction that was difficult to explain.
He admitted that such situations make it almost impossible to maintain a coherent narrative, both within Uganda and internationally. These contradictions, he said, reflect poorly on the government when scrutinized by media and foreign observers.
Despite these difficulties, Baryomunsi said he remains committed to his role, as he believes that perseverance and professionalism are critical in managing government communications effectively.
The Minister stressed that the public and government colleagues need to understand that social media posts by influential officials can complicate his work, sometimes creating confusion or diplomatic tension.
Baryomunsi said he has previously engaged directly with President Museveni about these challenges. He wanted the President to understand the unique pressures of his office and the difficulties in balancing internal government coordination with public communication.
He described his relationship with the President as one of mutual trust. By explaining the challenges of his role, he said, he was able to show that he is prepared to continue working under difficult conditions for as long as needed.
The Information Minister suggested that the government could consider sensitizing Gen. Muhoozi about the potential risks and consequences of using social media in an unchecked manner, particularly when commenting on sensitive matters.
He pointed out that such guidance would help ensure that all government messaging is consistent, accurate, and less likely to create confusion among citizens or the international community.
Baryomunsi also highlighted that he regularly consults widely within government before making public statements. Agencies such as the army, police, ISO, ESO, and CMI are often involved in discussions to ensure that government communications are unified.
He emphasized that he also consults with President Museveni on key issues before going public. This step, he said, helps align all messages with government policy and avoids contradictions that could be exploited by critics.
The Minister acknowledged that dealing with abuse and criticism is part of the job. He stressed that resilience, patience, and the ability to manage pressure are essential qualities for anyone holding a high-profile government position.
Baryomunsi admitted that some of the abuse he experiences comes from misunderstandings about government policy, conflicting statements by other leaders, or misrepresentation in the media. Regardless, he has learned to remain calm and focused.
He argued that the best approach for the public is to understand that some provocative statements made by officials, such as Gen. Muhoozi, should not always be taken literally. Instead, people should focus on verified government positions.
Despite the challenges, Baryomunsi remains confident that he can continue in his role. He said he is committed to defending government policies, guiding public communication, and ensuring that Uganda’s image remains positive both locally and internationally.
In conclusion, the Minister’s candid remarks shed light on the unseen pressures of government communications in Uganda.
His ability to manage abuse, navigate contradictions, and maintain professionalism highlights the complexities of being the country’s chief spokesperson in a highly political and social media-driven environment.
