Archbishop Ssemogerere urges sensationalism, deceit elimination from news

Kampala Catholic Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere has asked journalists and all media practitioners to use their knowledge and expertise to rid the industry of sensational, deceitful and frightening news, which he said, destabilises and disorganises society.

Despite the many bizarre things that are happening, the archbishop said, there are also a lot of good things in place, which journalists and all social communicators should highlight to restore hope in the people.

“Sometimes the news we get demoralises us. The headlines are terrible; very big with hard, frightening and disturbing messages. But there are also many good things amidst us, among which is your deep faith in God. To see many young people gathering here at Kiwamirembe, praying and even going to the priests for confession, is amazing. You should proclaim such good news which restores the hope of our people. Satan is real. Vice is also real.

There is a lot of corruption, deceit, selfishness, greed, indifference, fake news and character assassination. But you also need to tell our people about God and His goodness to mankind. Tell the people that God is present, and He is the author of our lives. But even more importantly, preach the Good News by the example of your own good deeds,” Ssemogerere said.

He was delivering his homily during the Thanksgiving Mass for the 59th World Social Communications Day at Kiwamirembe Shrine of Mary, in Kajjansi town council, Wakiso district on June 14, 2025.

The celebration attracted hundreds of journalists/social communicators from all corners of the archdiocese.

Earlier, Ssemogerere praised journalists for their contribution to spreading the Word of God.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere during the celebration of the 59th World Social Communications Day at Kiwamirermbe Shrine of Mary, Kajjansi Town Council, in Wakiso district on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

He lauded them for broadcasting the Church prayers during the very challenging time of Covid-19 when the economy was closed and the people locked up in their homesteads.

“Your ministry is vital because it enhances evangelisation. During Covid-19, you enabled our people to listen to the Word of God on radio, TV and social media, right from their sitting rooms. We are aware of the many challenges you encounter. Sometimes you are even beaten up as you are doing your work, but please stay firm and focused,” he said.

Veteran journalist Freddie Ssekitto advised the youthful journalists to do their work with utmost humility and integrity.

In a message delivered on her behalf by Dr Grace Bakyayita, Kampala Archdiocese head of the laity Emily Kitto Mwaka thanked the social communicators for helping priests and consecrated religious men and women in their evangelistic ministry.

He nonetheless put it to them to do more to make themselves visible.

The head of the social communications department of Kampala Archdiocese, Fr Joseph Mukiibi, unveiled plans for the department to start an income-generating project for self-reliance.

He revealed that a good number of social communicators and other Christians of good will had already made cash donations, voluntarily, in support of the project.

Kiwamirembe rector Fr Edward Kabanda thanked the journalists for making the option of celebrating their day and the holy year of the jubilee (2025) with a pilgrimage to the shrine.