Kampala, Uganda: Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral Senior pastor Robert Kayanja failed to appear before the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) harmonisation committee, intensifying scrutiny in an escalating dispute over alleged distorted media broadcasts involving multiple religious leaders and media houses.
The no-show came during a critical session at UCC headquarters in Bugolobi, where the regulator had convened a joint hearing bringing together pastors Jackson Ssenyonga and David Kiganda, alongside their respective media houses, to address cross-petitions stemming from contested broadcasts.
Kayanja, who had initially petitioned UCC, accusing Top Media Group and Kingdom Media of airing defamatory content against him, was instead represented by lawyers from Ssempebwa & Company Advocates. His legal team attributed his absence to prior commitments, a justification that drew concern from other parties.
Pastor Ssenyonga, lead pastor of Christian Life Church, Makerere Kavule, openly questioned Kayanja’s absence, arguing that the matter demanded personal accountability given its public impact and the seriousness of the allegations.
In a counter-petition that has shifted the trajectory of the case, Ssenyonga and Kiganda accuse Kayanja and Channel 44 Television of engaging in similarly distorted and damaging broadcasts. Their filings prompted UCC to consolidate the complaints into a single harmonised process.
Lawyers from Ojambo & Ojambo Company Advocates successfully pushed for the joint hearing, arguing that separating the petitions would undermine consistency and fairness in determining the facts.
Chairing the proceedings, UCC legal officer Abdul Waiswa underscored that all parties would be treated equally, given the similarity of claims, while warning against the misuse of broadcast platforms.
“When you go to preach live on radio or television, we take you as presenters—not pastors,” Waiswa said, cautioning religious leaders against misleading audiences under the guise of preaching.
In an earlier proposal, the committee had considered restricting the involved parties and their media platforms from covering the proceedings. However, a consensus was reached allowing continued coverage, provided reporting remains accurate and does not distort facts, placing renewed emphasis on professional media conduct.
Ssempebwa & Company Advocates pledged to submit a formal response to the complaints raised by Ssenyonga and Kiganda by Monday, May 4, 2026.
UCC adjourned the matter to June 2, 2026, when all parties are expected to reappear for further hearing in what is shaping into a defining test of media accountability and responsible broadcasting within Uganda’s religious and media landscape.
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