PanAfGeo Concludes Training on Communications and Dialogue with urgent call to effective communication

The commissioner in charge of geological survey in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development ( MEMD), Dr. Fred Tugume, has urged Geologists to use communication effectively because efficient communication ensures that vital geoscience information is used to inform crucial decisions that affect public safety, economic well-being, and sustainable development.

Dr Tugme , was representing Eng. Irene Batebe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development at the closure of the three day PanAfGeo Training on Communications and Dialogue in Geoscience at K Hotels Entebbe on November 26th 2025 .

‘’Geologists are frequently required to convey the results, advice and recommendations from geological investigations to a variety of end users. Often, it is the communication of the information that is the most challenging and can be more difficult than the investigation itself. Most of these investigations use highly sophisticated scientific techniques and geological terminology. When combined with cultural and language barriers, and social, political, religious or economic constraints, this makes it difficult to convey the correct message, and for the recipient to understand the implications of the geological information. The failure to effectively and accurately communicate this message may reduce the usefulness of the information being provided’’, said Dr Tugume.

He said communication must be considered part of a geological investigation because if the correct message is not conveyed properly, or is misunderstood, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Mr. Gabriel Data, the President of the Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) who is also Uganda’s Assistant Commissioner for Geology, emphasized that communication is an ability that professional geologists must have to interact successfully with colleagues, other professionals and the public.

‘’It is a skill learnt by training and experience. Spoken communication relies on interpersonal skills and the ability to convey information effectively, confidently and consistently. This paper provides case studies and draws upon the experiences of the author.Without effective communication, valuable scientific research and data may not be properly applied, making it “just as well not have been done at all”.

Participants who were awarded by certificates and later taken to a guided tour at the head office for the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM) in Uganda located at Plot 21-29 Johnstone Road, Entebbe , said communication training transforms geological knowledge from a specialized, isolated pursuit into a powerful tool for societal well-being and sustainable future.