Catholic Communicators in Uganda Strengthen Ties at Social Communications Week 2025

Catholic Communicators in Uganda Strengthen Ties at Social Communications Week 2025

 

Kampala, Uganda : Social Communications Week 2025, held from May 6 to 11 at St. Augustine Institute in Nsambya, Kampala, brought together Catholic communicators from all dioceses in Uganda for a week-long program focused on strengthening collaboration and unity among Catholic media institutions.

The event revolved around the theme for the 59th World Day of Social Communications, “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts” (cf. 1 Pet 3:15-16), echoing the global Church’s call for communicators to be bearers of hope in their mission. This was done through an individual reflection based on the center statement given by the late Pope Francis to social communicators: Speak with the Heart – Veritatem facientes in Caritate (doing the truth in charity) – cf. Ephesians 4:15.

The week officially opened on May 7 with welcoming remarks from Fr. Phillip Odii, National Executive Secretary of Social Communications, and the Secretary General of the Uganda Episcopal Conference. In their addresses, both leaders emphasized the need for Catholic communicators to work as a unified body and urged participants to take the training seriously as a way to build professionalism and solidarity in Catholic media.

The core of the program featured a training workshop led by Kearlmark Consults Ltd., under the direction of Mr. Emmanuel Okia, alongside fellow facilitators Mr. Julius Esegu and Ms. Conslanta. The workshop focused on the theme “Strengthening Catholic Media Institutions through Networking and Collaboration.” Participants were introduced to practical approaches to building networks, sharing media resources, fostering mutual support, and developing strategic partnerships across diocesan and institutional lines.

Mr. Okia guided participants through the concept of networking in Catholic media, encouraging them to “meet new people, share ideas, and work together as a team.” He stressed that networking and collaboration are essential for promoting Catholic values more effectively and enhancing the collective impact of Catholic media in Uganda.

Participants engaged in interactive discussions on various topics, including the benefits of collaboration, such as increased opportunities and achieving shared goals, and strategies for building trust, including teamwork, consistent communication, and shared faith. One of the key takeaways was the suggestion for Catholic media houses to register under the Catholic Media Organization (CAMEO), an initiative aimed at uniting Catholic communicators under one umbrella to better coordinate efforts and resources.

Mr. Esegu reinforced the importance of continuous learning and professional growth, reminding communicators that no one is perfect and that progress depends on cooperation. Quoting, “Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success,” he emphasized the need for sustainable collaboration.

A significant highlight of the week was the annual General Meeting of Catholic Social Communications, chaired by Rt. Rev. Bishop Robert Muhiirwa. The meeting covered important matters including strategies for resource mobilization to support Catholic media, the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, registration timelines for CAMEO, and developmental plans for Uganda Catholic Television (UCTV). Fr. Augustine presented a summary of the UCTV budget and future programming strategies, while Fr. Odii shared reflections from the Jubilee of Communications that took place in Rome in January 2025, reiterating the theme “Pilgrimage of Hope.”

Ms. Bakhita Angela , A member from the Ugandan Catholics Online represented the youths – managed online Catholic media organization and as part of the Catholic social communicators in Uganda.

As part of the Jubilee Year activities, participants embarked on a pilgrimage to Munyonyo Catholic Shrine on May 10. The pilgrimage was a moment of prayer, spiritual reflection, and community, marked by a Holy Mass led by Bishop Muhiirwa. During the homily, the bishop connected the symbolic act of passing through the Holy Door with the hope-filled mission of Catholic communicators. Participants also visited the historical shrine where the first Ugandan martyrs were killed, deepening their understanding of the roots of faith and witness in Uganda.

The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to all participants, recognizing their active involvement and commitment.

Social Communications Week 2025 thus ended as a transformative encounter, reinforcing unity, equipping communicators with tools for effective collaboration, and inspiring renewed dedication to Catholic media work in Uganda.