The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, has urged journalists to embrace artificial intelligence and social media responsibly while upholding truth, accuracy and human dignity in their reporting. Bishop Muhiirwa made the remarks on Sunday during the 60th Social Communications Day celebrations held at Kamwenge Catholic Parish in Kamwenge District under the theme, “Preserving Human Faces and Voices.”
The celebrations brought together journalists, communication officers and social media operators from Kamwenge, Fort Portal, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Bunyangabu, Ntoroko, Kitagwenda and Bundibugyo districts, which fall under Fort Portal Diocese. Bishop Muhiirwa cautioned journalists against relying on artificial intelligence and other digital technologies at the expense of accuracy, urging them to remain vigilant in verifying information before publishing.
He said journalists should use AI as a tool to support their work but ensure that their reporting is based on verified facts rather than misinformation and lies. The bishop also challenged journalists to produce stories that preserve human dignity and contribute to finding solutions to challenges affecting communities.
Bishop Muhiirwa further cautioned the public against excessive use of smartphones and social media, saying it can affect social relationships, particularly within families. He urged husbands and wives to limit the time they spend on social media while at home in order to create quality time for their spouses and children.
Fr Peter Kyomuhendo, the Social Communications Director at Fort Portal Diocese, said the celebrations also marked the launch of a fundraising campaign aimed at raising Shs300 million to establish a diocesan printery. Kyomuhendo said the printery would help the diocese print and publish its works while also generating income for the diocese.
Lydia Wanyoto, the state minister for Public Service, who represented the Minister of Information, Communications, Technology and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, as chief guest, said the media has a primary responsibility to inform and educate the public.
Wanyoto urged journalists not to deviate from this responsibility, saying they should focus on reporting stories that build the nation rather than those that mislead the public or unnecessarily hurt people’s feelings.
Christopher Tusiime, who represented the Chairperson of the Tooro Media Practitioners Association, urged journalists to uphold accuracy and objectivity in their work. The Social Communications Day is observed by the Catholic Church to reflect on the role of communication and the media in society and to encourage responsible use of communication technologies-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
