UGANDA: Be Responsible and Profession while Communicating: Ugandan prelate to Journalist
Bishop Muhirwa and Hon Kabyanga with the Journalists
Masereka Peter
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Robert K. Muhirwa Akiiki has encouraged journalists to communicate true information from their heart, with a sense of responsibility and professionalism.
Bishop Muhirwa’s remarks reflect the Pope’s Message on the 57th World Day of Social Communications celebrated Sunday 21 May 2023 on the theme “Speaking from the heart, according to the truth and with charity.” In his message, Pope Francis told communicators not be afraid of proclaiming the truth to counter false information which can seriously harm society and human dignity.
In his Homily while presiding over Holy Mass at Bukwali Parish in Fort Portal Diocese on 25th June 2023 that marked the diocesan communication day celebration, Bishop Muhirwa who called for regulation of social media handles in the world where every person with a Smartphone is acting like a journalist called for need of peaceful journalism with a sense of responsibility for those working in the field of communication.
Muhirwa Akiiki urged parents and guardians to make their homes accommodating avenues to instill children with good cultural and religious values and norms, wondering why parents and guardians have abandoned their obligations of raising God fearing and focused children.
The Bishop who asked the young people to be ready to learn, described a home as an important classroom in life to guide learners who are children in this case, on issues of discipline, cultural values and norms, as well as spiritual matters.
Bishop Muhirwa who condoles with the people of Kasese following the deadly attack by suspected ADF insurgents on Mpondwe-Lhubiriha community secondary school, asked Christians to desist from sin and surrender their lives to Christ.
Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga, the State Minister for National Guidance who was the chief guest, urged the Catholic diocesan communication offices to organize workshops and train journalists about their duty and code of conduct.
Hon. Kabyanga reminded the public to be careful while communicating and forwarding information in this modern world, saying the country has over 350 radio stations, over 60TV station and with over 21 million social media users all monitored by Uganda communication commission-UCC.
Kabyanga asked communicators to be professional before calling for vigilance among the local community members in Rwenzori region against any insurgents.
Hon. Kabyanga who said the security operators weren’t angles but human beings, asked the local community members to volunteer information regarding any suspicious people if the community was to be safe from threats.
He also asked local leaders, parents and guardians to be conscious of what their voters and children do.
The President for Toro Media Practitioners Association, Ms. Patra Kibisimbo Kirungi asked government to put a minimum wage for journalists and reduce on the number of licenses demanded by Uganda communications commission-UCC
The Diocesan Director for Communication, Fort Portal Diocese Rev. Fr. Peter highlighted among other challenges that his office got challenged with transport means since the diocese covers over eight districts with thirty-three parish, calling for support towards getting a permanent solution.
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