Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu has said the media should not be silenced but rather engaged through dialogue when misunderstandings arise, noting that the public relies on journalists for crucial information.
His remarks come after recent restrictions on National Media Group-Uganda journalists covering parliamentary and presidential events.
‘I would like to thank God for the news reporters. These are teachers. I can trace their work from Angel Gabriel, the patron saint of communication, because he was the one delivering good news from God to the people. Media is a very important ministry. Sometimes, they make mistakes as human beings,’ Archbishop Kaziimba said.
‘If there are any mistakes, they should be invited for dialogue, correction, or accountability, but they shouldn’t be stopped from doing their work or silenced because they are doing a good job and we need them,’ he added, Speaking at a media briefing held November 5 at the Church’s provincial offices in Kampala, Archbishop Kaziimba also announced the third provincial prayer convention, scheduled for November 19 to 25 at the Uganda Martyrs Anglican site, Namugongo.
The convention, organised under the theme ‘Arise: Pray for Your Generation’ (Esther 4:13-14), will gather faithful from various religious sects to pray for spiritual revival, transformation, and the fulfilment of God’s purpose in families, the church, and the nation.
On this year’s theme, Archbishop Kaziimba said the country must nurture a generation that guards against issues such as violence, pride, hypocrisy, and domestic abuse.
He also pointed to recent disasters, including floods in Kampala, landslides in Sebei Sub-region, accidents, high crime rates, and the upcoming general election as reasons for national prayer.