By Frank Kamuntu
Kampala, Uganda-The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced plans to introduce new guidelines aimed at regulating content disseminated by religious institutions, particularly during church sermons and on faith-based media platforms. This revelation came during a one-day stakeholders’ workshop convened by UCC with online media practitioners and journalists at Skyz Hotel, Naguru, on Tuesday.
According to UCC’s Head of Legal Affairs, Dr.Abdul Salam Waiswa, the regulatory body has observed an alarming trend where certain religious leaders, particularly from Born Again churches, have turned their platforms into spaces for inappropriate discussions.
“There are some Balokole pastors—when they’re preaching, you might mistake the church for a Senga class. This is wrong because that church has children. You’ve not protected their rights. As UCC, we have a mandate on that,” Waiswa stressed, pointing out the need to safeguard minors from unsuitable content.
Andrew Irumba Katusabe, president indoja-U who was in support of the move, in his remarks, specifically cited pastors like Aloysius Bugingo, accusing them of reducing their church sermons to “Senga classes,” where adult content is shared indiscriminately to congregations that include children. “You’ve all seen on TVs when some movies are begining they start with warnings like ‘Parental guidance needed (PG), 18+ etc. This means that if you’re not 18+ that’s not your movie, but what are we seeing in churches? Children with their mothers attending Bugingo’s services where he abruptly switches to Senga class. That’s taking people for granted,” Irumba added.
In addition, UCC raised concerns over instances where Muslim clerics, particularly some Sheikhs, have used their sermons to attack fellow clerics, allegedly quoting the Quran out of context. UCC says this trend not only fuels sectarian tensions but also undermines the integrity of religious teachings.
The commission emphasized that these guidelines are aimed at ensuring that religious content shared in places of worship and on media platforms adheres to standards that protect the rights of audiences, particularly children. Waiswa stated that UCC has the constitutional responsibility to regulate such content to avoid harm and uphold societal values.
The workshop also addressed ongoing media concerns, including the spread of hate speech, misinformation, and the misuse of media platforms for personal attacks.
Some of the people in attendance singled out pastors such as Bugingo and Senyonga, accusing them of using their platforms to trade insults and demean each other, contrary to broadcasting standards.
In a related development, UCC disclosed that it is in final consultations with the Electoral Commission to formulate guidelines governing media coverage during elections. Waiswa cited irregularities observed during the recent Kawempe by-election as justification for a more structured framework. The commission intends to ensure fair, balanced, and ethical electoral reporting as Uganda prepares for future elections.
The stakeholders’ workshop was part of UCC’s broader initiative to engage media practitioners on multimedia and content regulation. Participants discussed advertising standards, content regulation, classification, and key concerns affecting media practices in Uganda. Key points included combating fake news, enforcing advertising ethics, protecting minors, and promoting professionalism within the online media industry.
As UCC tightens its regulatory grip, it remains to be seen how religious leaders and media houses will adapt to the forthcoming guidelines aimed at balancing freedom of expression with public interest protection.
