The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a stern warning to media houses and pastors against distorting information related to ongoing court proceedings at Mengo Court.
The caution came during a high-stakes harmonisation meeting held at the UCC headquarters in Bugolobi, which brought together three prominent pastors: Pr. Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre Cathedral, Pr. David Kiganda, and Pr. Jackson Ssenyonga of Life Christian Church.
What You Need To Know:-
Pr. Kayanja had earlier petitioned the UCC, accusing top media houses and Kingdom Media of running defamatory stories against him. However, two weeks later, Prs. Ssenyonga and Kiganda filed counter-petitions against Pr. Kayanja and Channel 44, alleging similar offences of distorting facts concerning the Mengo Court case.
Lawyers from Ojambo & Ojambo Advocates argued that the petitions are interconnected and should receive equal attention from the Commission rather than being handled separately.
During Thursday’s meeting, Prs. Ssenyonga and Kiganda appeared in person, while Pr. Robert Kayanja was conspicuously absent and was instead represented by his legal team from Katende Ssempebwa & Company Advocates.
The committee, chaired by UCC lawyer Abdul Waiswa, emphasised that because all three pastors had filed related complaints, the matters must be harmonised and handled jointly.
Waiswa delivered a strong message to the pastors, warning them against misleading their followers when broadcasting the gospel on radio or television.“When you go to preach live on radio or television, we take you as a presenter, not a pastor,” he said.
Pr. Jackson Ssenyonga raised concerns about Pr. Kayanja’s failure to appear in person. In response, Kayanja’s lawyers stated that the senior pastor was too busy to attend and that they were fully authorised to represent him.“Unless you want this harmonisation committee to drag on until December, we are here to represent him,” the lawyers asserted.Earlier, Waiswa had proposed banning the three pastors and their associated media houses from covering the proceedings of the committee. However, a consensus was later reached allowing coverage on the strict condition that reports must be accurate and balanced.
By Monday, 4th May 2026, lawyers from Ssempebwa & Company Advocates said they will be ready to respond to the complaints lodged by Prs. Ssenyonga and Kiganda.
The Commission has adjourned the hearing of all parties to Tuesday, 2nd June 2026, at the UCC headquarters in Bugolobi.This version is clearer, more structured, flows better for readers, and puts stronger spotlight on Pr.
Kayanja’s petition, his absence, and the UCC’s firm regulatory stance.
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