The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has warned media houses against distorting information related to court proceedings at Mmengo Court.
The warning was issued during a harmonisation meeting held at the commission’s headquarters in Bugolobi, bringing together three pastors: Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre Cathedral, David Kiganda, and Jackson Ssenyonga.
Kayanja had earlier petitioned the UCC, accusing Top Media Group and Kingdom Media of publishing defamatory content about him.
Two weeks later, Ssenyonga and Kiganda also filed a petition with the commission, accusing Kayanja and Channel 44 of defamation.
Lawyers from Ojambo and Ojambo Advocates argued that the petitions raise similar issues and should therefore be handled together by the commission.
During Tuesday’s session, Ssenyonga and Kiganda appeared before the harmonisation committee. Kayanja did not attend in person but was represented by his lawyers.
The committee, chaired by Abdul Waiswa, counsel for the UCC, ruled that all three petitions would be heard jointly because they relate to similar complaints.
Waiswa also cautioned the pastors against misleading their congregations, particularly when preaching on electronic media.
“When you go to preach live on radio or television, we take you as a presenter, not a pastor,” he said.
Ssenyonga, the lead pastor at Life Christian Church, questioned Kayanja’s absence from the proceedings.
In response, lawyers from Ssempebwa and Company Advocates said their client was unable to attend due to prior commitments.
“Unless you want this harmonisation committee to drag on until December, we are here to represent him,” one of the lawyers said.
Waiswa had earlier proposed barring the parties and their respective media houses from covering the proceedings. However, the committee later agreed to allow coverage, provided that reporting remains accurate and responsible.
Ssempebwa and Company Advocates said they would be ready by May 4, 2026 to respond to the complaints filed by Ssenyonga and Kiganda.
The commission adjourned the matter to June 2, 2026, when all parties are expected to return for further hearing at the UCC offices in Bugolobi.
