The Mayor of Nyagatare District has said that working with the media is not optional for leaders but is actually a legal obligation.

He made this remark during a press briefing held on Monday, April 28, 2025, after 3 days conducting a tour of various development projects in the district.

This aligns with past concerns raised by some journalists working with various media outlets in the Eastern Province, who have reported challenges in their professional relationships with Public Relations, Media & Communications Officers, and some local government leaders. In some instances, journalists have found it difficult to access information necessary for their reporting duties.

Some journalists noted that in certain areas, leaders delegate communication to PR officers because they both understand the role and value of the media. However, there are also district mayors who appreciate collaboration with the press, but their communications officers fail to perform their duties properly and do not see the media as a tool for promoting district development.There are also PR officers who neglect their responsibilities, and their superiors don’t seem to pay attention to this either.

One once said” Often, you find that some people are more aware of the importance of the media than others. There are times when you may ask one of the PR officers (those in charge of public relations) for the contact information of an official, and they either delay in responding or immediately tell you that it is not allowed to report the negative stories (those that highlight problems for advocacy).

They might suggest that it would be better if you softened your approach and reported it in a certain way”.

After touring the development projects, the Mayor of Nyagatare District,Gasana Stephen addressed the media, affirming that the district is ready and committed to working with journalists.

He emphasized that media collaboration is not only a matter of choice but also a legal duty for public officials.

"This event itself is proof that we understand the importance of working with the media. As the District Executive Committee, Sector Executive Secretaries, and our colleagues, we know we cannot fulfill our responsibilities without proper collaboration with the media. Secondly, there are legal provisions regulating this relationship; working with the media is not just a personal decision—it’s mandated by national law." He stated

The Mayor added "I want to assure you that we will continue building our capacity to ensure effective collaboration, and I trust that whenever you see areas needing improvement, you’ll point them out so we can enhance our cooperation."

Media practitioners wish th leaders   to set a good example in working with the media, as it is a key avenue for highlighting development initiatives.

The Law No. 04/2013 of February 8, 2013 on Access to Information, Article 1 of this law states that citizens and journalists have the right to access information from public institutions and some private entities. This includes information on actions taken, plans, public statements, reports, press releases, video recordings, electronic messages, opinions, meetings, press briefings, regulations, decisions, national development programs, and any other content intended for public interest.

Article 4 of Law No. 04/2013 specifies the types of information that journalists are not allowed to access. These include:Information that may endanger national security,Obstruct law enforcement or justice,Intrude on personal privacy without serving public interest,Compromise protected trade secrets or intellectual property rights,And hinder judicial proceedings involving public institutions or within timeframes defined by law.

The Mayor of Nyagatare District has said that working with the media is not optional for leaders but is actually a legal obligation.

He made this remark during a press briefing held on Monday, April 28, 2025, after 3 days conducting a tour of various development projects in the district.

This aligns with past concerns raised by some journalists working with various media outlets in the Eastern Province, who have reported challenges in their professional relationships with Public Relations, Media & Communications Officers, and some local government leaders. In some instances, journalists have found it difficult to access information necessary for their reporting duties.

Some journalists noted that in certain areas, leaders delegate communication to PR officers because they both understand the role and value of the media. However, there are also district mayors who appreciate collaboration with the press, but their communications officers fail to perform their duties properly and do not see the media as a tool for promoting district development.There are also PR officers who neglect their responsibilities, and their superiors don’t seem to pay attention to this either.

One once said” Often, you find that some people are more aware of the importance of the media than others. There are times when you may ask one of the PR officers (those in charge of public relations) for the contact information of an official, and they either delay in responding or immediately tell you that it is not allowed to report the negative stories (those that highlight problems for advocacy).

They might suggest that it would be better if you softened your approach and reported it in a certain way”.

After touring the development projects, the Mayor of Nyagatare District,Gasana Stephen addressed the media, affirming that the district is ready and committed to working with journalists.

He emphasized that media collaboration is not only a matter of choice but also a legal duty for public officials.

"This event itself is proof that we understand the importance of working with the media. As the District Executive Committee, Sector Executive Secretaries, and our colleagues, we know we cannot fulfill our responsibilities without proper collaboration with the media. Secondly, there are legal provisions regulating this relationship; working with the media is not just a personal decision—it’s mandated by national law." He stated

The Mayor added "I want to assure you that we will continue building our capacity to ensure effective collaboration, and I trust that whenever you see areas needing improvement, you’ll point them out so we can enhance our cooperation."

Media practitioners wish th leaders   to set a good example in working with the media, as it is a key avenue for highlighting development initiatives.

The Law No. 04/2013 of February 8, 2013 on Access to Information, Article 1 of this law states that citizens and journalists have the right to access information from public institutions and some private entities. This includes information on actions taken, plans, public statements, reports, press releases, video recordings, electronic messages, opinions, meetings, press briefings, regulations, decisions, national development programs, and any other content intended for public interest.

Article 4 of Law No. 04/2013 specifies the types of information that journalists are not allowed to access. These include:Information that may endanger national security,Obstruct law enforcement or justice,Intrude on personal privacy without serving public interest,Compromise protected trade secrets or intellectual property rights,And hinder judicial proceedings involving public institutions or within timeframes defined by law.