Reporting on migration the Catholic way

The SIGNIS Africa workshop for African Catholic media organisations opened Tuesday morning in Kampala, Uganda. Organised in collaboration with the Vatican ‘s Dicastery for promoting Integral Development, it brings together about 50 journalists from various African countries to seek unique African ways of speaking about migrants in Africa’s Catholic media focussing on a 'compassionate' reporting that preserves the dignity of migrants and refugees.

By Fr Paul Samasumo - Kampala

The week-long Conference of African Catholic media practitioners being held in Kampala, Uganda opened Tuesday with a keynote message from the Vatican’s Prefect of the Dicastery of Communication, Dr Paulo Ruffini. In his message read to participants, Dr Ruffini who was unable to attend in person urged African Catholic media persons to help build bridges and not walls. He commended Uganda for its unique hospitality to African refugees and migrants.

Speaking at the same gathering, Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa who is the President of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese told participants that migration is not a new phenomenon. He spoke of how the Israelites lived in Egypt as migrants and slaves until they were liberated by the Lord through Moses. Bishop Zziwa encouraged Catholic African media to play a constructive role in peace and reconciliation in society.

Ugandan Minister of Teso Affairs, Mr Kenneth Ogalo Obote spoke about Uganda’s long history of hospitality which began between 1942 and 1944 when 7000 Polish refugees mainly women and children found refuge in Uganda during the Second World War.

Others who spoke during the opening ceremonies were Prof Walter IHEJIRIKA, President of SIGNIS-Africa as well as SIGNIS World President, Mrs Helen Osman.

Uganda is the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa and the fourth most welcoming country in the world. This is due to its progressive policies towards refugees.

Listen to the report by Fr Paul Samasumo