KAMPALA- The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has summoned Kabale-based radio presenter Rodgers Asiimwe, alias Obwengula, and Diocese of Kigezi Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna to discuss their ongoing media dispute.
The UCC’s Director of Legal Affairs and Secretary to the Commission, Susan Atengo Wegoye, signed the letter dated March 3, 2025.
The invitation follows a complaint filed by Bishop Akanjuna on January 17, accusing Obwengula of consistently abusing him over K-town Radio airwaves. The Bishop specifically pointed out Obwengula as the presenter responsible for the abuse. In his complaint, Akanjuna asked the UCC for intervention, stating that attempts to resolve the matter amicably had been unsuccessful.
The UCC had earlier written to the management of K-town Radio, requesting a response to the Bishop’s complaint. Although the management responded, the details of their response remain unknown.
The latest letter from the UCC invites the Managing Director, News Editor, Producer, and Obwengula to appear for a discussion at the Commission’s Headquarters in Bugolobi, Kampala, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Bishop Akanjuna has also been invited to attend.
Background of the Matter
In early January 2025, an audio recording of a radio program went viral on social media, in which Obwengula accused Bishop Akanjuna of promoting sectarianism. Obwengula specifically discussed an incident where the Bishop allegedly ordered church leaders not to give the microphone to Rubanda District Woman MP aspirant Jacqueline Katabazi during an event at Nyarurambi C.O.U in the Nyaruhanga Archdeaconry.
According to Obwengula, the Bishop’s instructions were implemented by the Nyaruhanga Archdeacon, Ven. Noah Kyoma, who ensured that Katabazi did not have access to the church microphone. Obwengula attributed the alleged act to sectarianism, stating that Katabazi was denied the chance to address the congregation because she is a member of the Catholic Church.
A video footage of church leaders beating drums was also shared on social media by supporters of Katabazi, allegedly showing an attempt to prevent her from addressing the congregants from outside the church after the service.
This incident occurs amidst rising sectarian sentiments in the Kigezi sub-region, which have been publicly condemned by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The President has warned that perpetrators of sectarianism would be arrested.
Meanwhile, a section of Catholic Church priests has been captured on camera, openly campaigning for aspiring and incumbent politicians and asking their followers to make oaths of allegiance to these politicians.
President Museveni has described this trend as “poisonous” and urged the public to resist it. He also asked journalists to expose the culprits while the government seeks a long-term solution to the problem.
“We shall definitely crush it,” Museveni said..
