By Buwule Joseph Mary
KAMPALA — Paul Ssemogerere, the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, has issued a strong appeal for responsible and ethical use of social media, warning that its growing misuse is eroding moral values and harming individuals and communities.
Delivering his Easter message, Archbishop Ssemogerere revealed that he has personally been subjected to online harassment, describing himself as “one of the victims of social media bullying and demeaning.” His testimony highlighted the seriousness of the issue and its far-reaching consequences in today’s digital society.
He expressed concern that platforms originally designed to connect people and promote constructive dialogue are increasingly being exploited to spread insults, hatred, and misinformation. According to the Archbishop, this trend is not only injuring individuals but also weakening the social and moral fabric that holds communities together.
“There is a growing level of unbecoming language and behavior,” he noted, observing that many people today no longer exercise restraint in their communication, a sharp departure from the past where respect and cultural values guided public discourse.
Archbishop Ssemogerere emphasized that the crisis in online communication reflects a deeper decline in family and societal values. He called on Christians and the wider public to use the Easter season as a moment of reflection and renewal, urging a return to principles such as respect, humility, kindness, and accountability.
He further challenged social media users to recognize the real-life impact of their words, stressing that digital communication carries the same moral responsibility as face-to-face interaction. He encouraged the public to use online platforms to promote unity, truth, and hope rather than division and hostility.
In a broader message, the Archbishop also condemned corruption, describing it as a persistent national challenge that requires collective action. Reflecting on the recently concluded election period, he raised concern over incidents of violence, including cases where individuals were beaten, injured, tear-gassed, or arrested. He called on authorities to uphold justice by either releasing political detainees or ensuring due process through the courts.
“We have long sung about corruption in this country,” he said. “It affects us all, and we must act decisively to fight it. If left unchecked, corruption destroys lives and the future of our society.”
The Archbishop also extended his condolences to the family of the late Kikuube District LC V Chairperson, Peter Banura Araali, who died following injuries sustained in a road accident. He urged Ugandans to exercise caution on the roads by avoiding reckless behaviors such as drunk driving and overspeeding, which often result in preventable loss of life.
He cautioned leaders against attributing such tragic incidents solely to divine will, stressing instead the need for personal responsibility and adherence to safety measures.
Archbishop Ssemogerere’s Easter message ultimately centered on moral renewal, calling on individuals and leaders alike to embrace integrity, compassion, and responsibility in both public life and digital spaces.