Kampala — Public broadcasters in Uganda have been urged to emphasise professionalism, invest in improved technology and strengthen regional partnerships to compete with the private Sector.

Information Minister Kirunda Kivejinja made the call during the opening of the first annual general meeting of East African Public Broadcasters' Association in Kampala yesterday.

"Set up a structure through consultations and recruit young professionals to manage the facilities to cover regional programmes," Mr Kivejinja said.

He said the media houses set up under the statute should desist from being pro-government as considered by many viewers and listeners.

The theme of the workshop was 'Challenges of a Public Broadcaster in a Liberalised Economy' and consultants from Uganda Radio Network and Trade and Business Services Center made the opening presentations.

According to Mr. Amos Tindyebwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Trade and Business Services Center, public broadcasters are faced with stiff competition by the private broadcasters due to the liberalised economy.