Kampala November 28, 2023 {HMC} – The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia’s Public Information Unit has concluded a capacity building workshop and field visit in Kampala, Uganda, with officials from Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
Twelve officials from the Ministry benefitted from the workshop, which included field visits and interactions with Uganda Broadcasting Corporation and the Nation Media Group.
A Communications Expert at ATMIS, Gifty Bingley, underscored the importance of such capacity-building initiatives facilitated by the AU mission. She highlighted the necessity of enhancing the skills of policymakers and government communicators within the Ministry. “These training opportunities are crucial in enabling these professionals to effectively communicate government initiatives and successes, as well as understanding the complexities of media support,” she remarked.
The Charge d’Affaires of the Somalia Embassy in Uganda, Ambassador Abdilatif Mohamoud Ali at the closing ceremony emphasised the importance of responsible media in state-building, highlighting its role in empowering communities with relevant information. He also expressed his gratitude to ATMIS for its efforts to stabilise Somalia.
An Advisor with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mohamed Shir, described the field visits as enlightening particularly regarding the structure and operations of public and private media.
Representing the participants, Abdushakur Ali Ahmed from the Ministry, thanked ATMIS and expressed optimism that the officials would integrate the valuable insights learnt into their work.
ATMIS Public Information unit engages in a dynamic partnership with the Ministry of Information, Tourism, and Culture, focusing on strengthening communication and capacity-building initiatives. This collaboration forms part of the broader strategy to support the Federal Government of Somalia.
