Soroti Catholic Diocese has announced grand plans to celebrate the 2025 World Communications Day on July 13th at St. Kizito Catholic Parish, Katine in Soroti District.
The event is expected to draw thousands of faithful from across the Teso sub-region and beyond in a colorful gathering aimed at promoting ethical, hopeful and compassionate communication.
Established in 1967 by Pope Paul VI, World Communications Day encourages reflection on the role of media and communication in advancing the Gospel and building peaceful societies.
This year’s global theme, “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:15-16), emphasizes a shift towards compassionate and constructive communication amidst rising misinformation and social division.
The message from Pope Paul urges all communicators, from journalists to church leaders and ordinary citizens, to avoid aggressive or divisive rhetoric and instead foster messages that build trust, promote peace and inspire hope.
According to His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese this theme is especially timely as Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections.
“Communication is a powerful tool,” Bishop Eciru remarked in a pre-event statement. “It can unite us or divide us. This year we are called to use our voices to witness to hope, bridge divides and build a culture of non-violence and care.”
The day’s program will begin with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Eciru himself, expected to be attended by church leaders, political dignitaries, private sector representatives and lay faithful.
The Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda has been invited as the Guest of Honor, underscoring the event’s national significance.
Following Mass, speeches from various leaders will highlight the importance of ethical communication in community building and national development.
A fundraising drive will also be held to support the diocesan communications department, featuring an auction of valuable items.
Beyond spiritual activities, the celebrations promise a vibrant mix of entertainment and social services.
Local artists, youth groups and school children will deliver music and dance performances.
There will also be health-focused initiatives, including blood donation and HIV testing, emphasizing the church’s commitment to holistic community wellbeing.
The Diocese has planned several build-up activities ahead of the main event.
These include radio talk shows on KVR and Delta radios focusing on the role of communication in social transformation, an essay writing competition for Primary Seven pupils of Katine Catholic Parish, a women’s bicycle race, a friendly football match between journalists and catechists and awards recognizing outstanding communicators and community contributors.
Soroti Catholic Diocese Communications Commission SSOCCOM, in collaboration with political, religious, civil and private sector partners, is spearheading the organization of this year’s event.
Businesses and service providers are encouraged to participate through sponsorships and advertisements with special bonuses offered for adverts run on partner radio stations.
With the Teso sub-region now home to over 2.4 million people, according to the 2024 Housing and Population Census, radio and other media remain vital in reaching communities.
The diocese sees this as an opportunity to deepen awareness about the importance of non-violent, truthful communication and to encourage the public to support media initiatives that foster unity and moral transformation.
The event’s objectives include creating greater awareness about media’s role in evangelization and social development, strengthening the capacity of communicators to promote non-violence and build bridges and highlighting the impact of peaceful communication on societal progress.
“By participating, we fulfill our constitutional responsibility for social transformation and promote peace and truthfulness, particularly as we gear up for national and local elections,” Bishop Eciru added.
All people of goodwill are warmly invited to support this noble cause financially and through active participation.
Contributions will go a long way in supporting the diocese’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its communication and outreach programs.
The Diocese has shared a detailed budget and sponsorship plan, inviting individuals, businesses and organizations to join hands in making the 2025 World Communications Day celebrations a resounding success.
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