Ensure Proper Use of Funds for the Apostolate of Communication

 by Valerian Kkonde

ACCPU

 

Bishop Joseph Franzelli. Photo by Valerian Kkonde/ ACCPU

The Chairman of the Social Communication Commission of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Bishop Joseph Franzelli, has urged Catholic Communicators to ensure that the funds collected to support the media apostolate are put to that particular use.

 

The Bishop made the appeal during the Communications Week for the Catholic Communicators held at Ulrika Guest House- Kisubi- from 21 to 26 April, 2026.

 

The Bishop Chairman stressed that the Communicators have to talk to their Bishops for their support, and to encourage the priests as well. And that as they ask the people to support the Communication Apostolate, they should honour their support by using the funds for that purpose.

 

“According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Moral Theology, keeping money which was given to someone else is theft. Money meant for the Apostolate of Communication must be used for that very purpose.”

 

Msgr. John Baptist Kauta with the Communicators. Photo by Valerian Kkonde/ ACCPU

He pointed out that their meeting is important and relevant to the Church. It was not due to lack of what to do; it is important to their pastoral work.

 

The Communication Week took place at a time when the Parliament was considering the Protection of Sovereignty Bill which had drawn a lot of criticism from the public and key institutions like Bank of Uganda, World Bank and Religious leaders.

 

The Bill is giving a lot of power to the minister to the extent that when one receives money from outside the country, he/she has to explain the source and the purpose for which it was being sent. The Bill is also denying Ugandans their citizenship as it refers to anyone who crosses the borders as a foreigner.

 

It was in reference to that Bill that Bishop Franzelli told the Communicators to be bold when reporting about such polarising issues.

 

Communicators pose with Fr. Philip Odii (Centre) Photo by Valerian Kkonde/ ACCPU

“We should not just accept whatever is put before us. We need ourselves to be convinced and then share with our people the values and teaching of the Catholic Church. It does not matter whether it is in line with those who govern or not. Let us be ourselves: Roman Catholic communicators.”

 

He also commented about Donald Trump’s attack on Pope Leo XIV for condemning wars that are causing indiscriminate death, suffering, displacements and destruction on massive scale. He said that this incident shows that our “people need timely and relevant information as they seek to be enlightened and informed by our media outlets.”

 

Emphasising the lack of peace in the world, the Bishop reminded the Communicators that April 21, 2026 marked the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death. He stressed that Pope Francis left this world asking us to pray for peace.

 

“A year later we are facing the possibility of falling in perpetual war. People should be directed with the Gospel values which portray the universal mission of the Roman Catholic Church.”

 

The Communicators. Photo by Valerian Kkonde/ACCPU

While offering a word of encouragement to take on the challenges in the Apostolate of Communication, the Bishop made reference to Vatican Council II which gave the Laity increased roles and responsibilities in the Church and advised that Communicators should work with those willing to collaborate.

 

“You do not have to get the support of everyone. Go ahead with those willing to work with you. Never give up.

 

Pope Francis kept telling the Church to open up the windows and doors and listen to and work with each other.”

 

Msgr. John Baptist Kauta, the Secretary General of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, told the Communicators that the Conference recognises their good work and is very appreciative. He added that they are vital for the evangelisation of Uganda, despite the odds.

 

Section of the Communicators during training. Photo by Valerian Kkonde/ ACCPU

“Never be discouraged because this would spell danger for us all. Let us come together in solidarity to share our successes and challenges.”

 

Msgr. Kauta observed that when the Uganda bishops were in Rome for their Ad Limina visit, the Pope told them that he was happy with the progress of the Church in Uganda. He called upon the Communicators to continue proclaiming the gospel of peace and justice, pointing out that such gatherings remind us that we were baptised and sent to proclaim the good news.

 

For his part, the Executive Secretary of the Social Communication Commission, Fr. Philip Odii thanked the Bishop Chairman for his dedication, support and love for the Communication Apostolate. He also thanked the Communicators for their presence which he referred to as a sign of sacrifice for the communication institution.

 

“Your work is the voice of the Church. Always remember that when we speak, write and post, it is the voice of the Church.”

 

Communicators enjoying the training on AI. Photo by Valerian Kkonde/ ACCPU

Fr. Philip observed that the Communication Week rotates to different dioceses but that the national office was the organiser, for the second consecutive time, due to financial constraints. Every year, Catholic Communicators from Catholic media institutions and those affiliated to the Church gather to make an evaluation of their work, identify challenges and devise means of how best to overcome them. They as well undergo training to enable them perform better.

 

This year the training was on: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Productivity and Effectiveness in Catholic Media Institutions.

The roses part of nature at Ulrika Guest House proclaiming the beauty of our common home. Photo by Valerian Kkonde/ACCPU

 “The training is not just to acquire expertise but help us appreciate its positives and also be cautious about its use. While in Rome, we were helped to know what it is and help others use it well. Everything must be crosschecked because it is not advanced.

 

It is good in research but can give wrong information; it can mislead. Need to be very careful.”