UGANDA: Write to Guide Society Not to Fill Gaps, Catholic Communicators warned

Masereka Peter

The Uganda People’s Defense Forces’ Spokesperson, Brig. Felix Kulayigye has warned communicators in Uganda against what he described as broadcasting and writing for mere gap filling than to guide the society.

Gen. Kulayigye who reminded journalists about the positive dynamics in the current world of journalism, said communication without any guiding content and facts, is dead.

Addressing the journalists most of them Catholic Church communicators during their National Social communications day celebrations at the Archbishop’s Residence near Rubaga Cathedral on Sunday 14^th May 2023, Brig, Kulayigye asked communicators to make good analysis of their content than feeding society on row content that exposes their unworthiness and ignorance that will not only demean them but misguide the community.

Earlier during celebration of holy Mass, Archbishop Paul Semogerere of Kampala asked communicators to deliver information from the heart, out of love, and humility under the guidance of the Chief communicator, Jesus Christ.

He also used the day that coincided with the world mothers’ day to ask married couples to be peaceful, make good use of their Churches and community elders to iron out their concerns than unnecessarily filling police stations for help.

In his opening address to the communicators’ training early, the Archbishop called for proper interpretation of events for effective communication by Catholic communicators to properly guide the whole person.

According to Dr. Ssemogerere, it was easy for communicators to mislead the local community should they pick and deliver information unprofessionally.

Dr. Ssemogerere who was represented by Msgr. Charles Kasibante, the Vicar General for Kampala Archdiocese also asks Catholic communicators to be conscious against fake and immoral news from selfish technological sources aimed at putting the Church of God to test.

At the same event, Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli, the Chairman of the Social communications Commission at the Episcopal Conference, asked communicators to unite while disseminating information so as not to cause contradictions that may cause discomfort and division in the mother Church and the community.

In his homily while presiding over Holy Mass that was animated by Mbarara Archdiocese during the second day of the National Social Communications week at Ulrika Guest house in Kisubi-Entebbe, Fr. Museveni from Hoima Diocese had reminded Christians that the Love for God ought to be extended to their neighbours for unity and peaceful living.

Fr. Museveni who is the Director for Radio Uganda-Hoima said Love for God with all the heart and soul is what Christians must practice to fulfil what is required of them in the mission of Christ.

He was confident that by loving God and his people, the children of God will live peacefully by the right guidelines of the Ten Commandments as given to Moses to guide mankind.

Referring to the assignments by the Apostles, Fr. Museveni asked Christians and people in leadership against contradicting their obligations but interpret and fulfil what they are called for.

He also asked Church leaders to receive in good faith any changes, most of which he said are done in good faith to make possible the mission of Christ on earth.

Earlier at the beginning of the communications week this week, Rev, Fr. Joseph Mukiibi, the Director for Social communications for Kampala Archdiocese, the host, asked the communicators to make good use of this year’s theme by emulating Christ, the Chief Communicator, by embracing the Lord’s values and virtues.

In a brief statement, Bishop Joseph Franzelli, the chairperson of the Social Communications department at the Uganda Episcopal Conference cautioned communicators against duplication and individualism in running communications outlets that may end up being weak and irrelevant to the Mother Church. END