An assessment of risk communication models in Kampala City

Abstract

Risk management is fundamental to promoting of public health and safety and development of a country. This research focused on risk communication as a key part of risk management, looking at the existing risk communication models in Kampala, the challenges there in and the efficacy of online based applications for risk communication. The study adopted descriptive and case study research designs respondents were selected Kampala through purposive and stratified random sampling; and data was collected using questionnaires and an interview guide in addition to documentary review. The research revealed that risk communication in Kampala is marred with ineffective communication and misinformation and a lack of defined interaction platforms, with the youthful turning to social media for risk information sharing: A considerable proportion of the population would be comfortable with specialized online applications for risk communication in Kampala; and KCCA would benefit from integrating this model into risk communication infrastructure in the city. The study recommends the retooling and capacity building of KCCA technical staff involved in risk management to develop and operate online based platforms for risk communication.