Annexture CH 01 and noted that it clearly confirms that the Government uses Clubhouse to
communicate with the public. Whether that is an official communication channel is a different
story that will unfold shortly.
Nevertheless, it suffices to point out here that Section 5 of the Media Services Act, Act
No.12 of 2016 establishes the Director of Information Services who shall be appointed by the
President of the URT. Section 5(2)(a) of the Act states further that the said Director shall be
the Chief Government Spokesperson. Section 5(2)(b) of the same Act designates him as a
principal advisor to the government in all matters related to strategic communication,
publication of news and the function of the media industry.
In our scrutiny, we then turned to Section 3 of the Media Services Act which defines
electronic media as a "mode of communication of content to the public by television, radio,
video, cinema, e-newspaper or by any other electronic means and devices including social
media, applications, and any other related means". (Emphasis is ours). Neither party told
the court through what media or under which law the government official communications
is prescribed. In a bid to understand the government official communications to the public,
we consulted the e-Government Act, Act No. 10 of 2019 regulating e-Government services.
Of particular interest was Sections 27 and 28(d) of that Act. Section 27 provides for
recognition of e-Government Services. It adds that without prejudice to any other written
law, the Government institution may provide services in electronic form. It is our view that
the government communication with the public is one of such services.
Section 28(d) of the Act states that: a government institution shall, for proper
delivery of e-Government Services - (d) use appropriate channels and languages that
enable citizens to access government services based on available technologies. This too
cements the view that government services including the supply of information on strategic
projects and others are part included in the provision of the cited statute.
From the two laws cited, the Media Services Act and the e-Government Act, it can
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