Think before you act-Rev. Samuel Muwonge advises journalists during their thanksgiving prayer

2 March 2025, 11:22 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As it is written in the Holy Bible that without me you can do nothing, says the Lord. Journalists through one of their associations, organized a prayer day and thanksgiving under the theme, “Upon deployments seeking God’s safety in the election season.” From the Book of Psalms 16:1 which says “Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.” Held at Kampala Capital City Authority Gardens in Kampala.

In his preaching of the word, Reverend Samuel Muwonge from Entebbe church of Uganda Diocese, advised the journalists to always think before they act. “No story is worthy your life. Therefore as you do your work, think before you act.” He preached. The reverend prayed for the media fraternity, to have successful deliberations as they do their job not only in the fourth coming general elections, but always and prayed for harmony between security personnel and the media.

Spokesperson for Uganda Peoples’ Defense forces, Major General. Felix Kulayigye, who was the chief guest, started his address by quoting Jeremiah 17:9 which talks about how deceitful the heart is. He appealed to the journalists to be more fair in their reporting. “Use your head not your heart in the forthcoming elections. Every decision you make, has a consequence and when they come, bear them.” He said. Adding that to the Top television journalist, Miracle Ibra who was beaten by security officers, the act was very unfortunate.

“To our colleague who was beaten in Kawempe, I condemn it, but who beat him? Its what am looking for. I must punish the culprit. You want us to be fairness, be fire to us as well.” Maj Gen said.

Uganda Police Force was represented by SP Nampiima Faridah who challenged journalists to respect the authorities. “Let us respect each other and follow the constitution. As a media fraternity, let us follow the laws that govern this country.” she said.

Similarly, the spokesperson for Uganda Prisons, Frank Baine, reminded journalists to remember that they belong to Uganda. “I want us to understand one thing; that we all belong to this country called Uganda. We need to agree that sometimes the media is the source of the fire.” He said. Emmanuel Kirunda on behalf of Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) as the secretary general, raised concerns regarding forcing journalists to go to cadre course in Kyankwanzi. “We don’t want to disorganize peace in Uganda. forcing people to go to cadre course, I don’t support it. I think it should be voluntarily. We condemn the way Miracle Ibra was beaten”

Minister of State for Kampala and metropolitan affairs, Hon. Kyofatogabye Kabuye, thanked the media fraternity for organizing the event and confirmed to them that KCCA is always ready to host them.

In conclusion, two senior journalists were appreciated. Henry Bagguma, a Journalist, working with UBC, briefly narrated how he was with president Kagame of Rwanda, when 1994 Rwanda genocide was starting. “Two memories I will never forget; when I was with president Kagame during April 1994 Rwanda genocide and when president Museveni came to Radio Uganda, now UBC to make the announcements.” He said. Ali Waiswa from Vision Group also narrated how he made to the media. Both thanked the media for appreciating them.

In attendance were journalists from various parts of the country. Mr Frank Gashumba a socialite advised journalists to join insurance companies such that in time of trouble, part of the costs can be covered by the insurance company.