KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Dennis Katungi as the substantive Deputy Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre (UMC), formally ending his acting role at the government communications hub.
The appointment follows Katungi’s long service at the institution, where he previously served as Head of Communications and Media Relations before assuming the acting deputy executive director role.
The President’s directive fills a vacancy that has existed since the death of former deputy executive director, Colonel Shaban Bantariza, in October 2020.
Katungi has been serving in an acting capacity at the UMC, working alongside Executive Director Alan Kasuja in overseeing government communication and public information management.
Presidential directive
President Museveni’s decision was communicated through a formal instrument dated May 30, 2026, directing the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and State House offices to implement the appointment with immediate effect.
The Uganda Media Centre leadership is now composed of Executive Director Alan Kasuja and Deputy Executive Director Dennis Katungi, both seasoned communication professionals with extensive experience in journalism and public relations.
Professional background
Katungi is a veteran communications specialist who has worked in government communications and international media, including Reuters, and previously served as a Europe-based correspondent for The New Vision, where he authored the widely known “Letter from London” column.
He has also been involved in diaspora engagement, investment promotion communication, and public diplomacy initiatives linked to Uganda’s foreign missions and development agencies.
Institutional role
The Uganda Media Centre serves as the government’s central communications and media relations hub, coordinating official messaging, Cabinet briefings, and public information dissemination across ministries and agencies.
Katungi’s confirmation is expected to strengthen continuity in government communication strategy as the institution continues to streamline public messaging and engagement with the media.
Background
The Deputy Executive Director position became vacant following the passing of Col. Shaban Bantariza, who previously served in the role before his death in 2020.
Katungi’s elevation is seen as part of ongoing efforts to consolidate leadership within government communication structures amid broader administrative changes in the information sector.