By Saul Mutunzi
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda has launched a new initiative aimed at restoring hope among believers and the wider public by encouraging people, particularly young people, to use digital devices responsibly in spreading the gospel and comforting those facing challenges.
The initiative was launched today at Najjanankumbi in Wakiso District during celebrations led by Pastor Tom Oggwanga and the President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda, Archbishop Samuel Kajjoba.
Addressing the congregation, Pastor Oggwanga urged Christians to turn their mobile phones and other digital platforms into tools for evangelism, noting that technology can be used to reach people with messages of hope, encouragement and faith.
He said many people, especially young people, spend significant time on their phones, making digital platforms an important channel through which the church can reach communities across the country and beyond.
The church leadership cautioned against the misuse of technology, calling on believers to make responsible choices about the content they consume and share online.
“We urge young people to use their phones by preaching the gospel because this channel is very important, but many people have used it badly. Today, we have launched this initiative to remind our people that we can use our phones wisely by sharing the Word of God,” the church leadership said.
The initiative comes at a time when many people are experiencing different social and personal challenges, with the church emphasizing the need to provide hope and spiritual encouragement to those who may feel isolated or discouraged.
Kajjoba said the church’s mission of spreading the Word of God can be strengthened by embracing modern communication technologies, which provide an opportunity to reach large numbers of people regardless of their location.
“We all know that our major mission is to preach the Word of God, so this is a good opportunity for us to reach out to many people because many people have lost hope in everything, and that is why they are engaging themselves in various acts,” he said.
He further noted that women and young people are among those who need messages of encouragement and guidance, saying the initiative would encourage them to use technology in ways that contribute positively to their lives and communities.
“This hope is what everyone needs. Many women are hopeless and don’t know what to do. Young people have been using their phones falsely, but through this initiative, their lives will be transformed,” he said.
The church leadership called upon believers to embrace the initiative and become active participants in sharing positive and faith-based messages through their digital platforms.
Beyond the launch, Kajjoba also used the occasion to convey condolences to the people of the Tooro Kingdom following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died last week and is expected to be laid to rest on September 12, 2026.
Kajjoba said the Seventh-day Adventist Church stands with the people of Tooro during the period of mourning and is praying for comfort and strength for the kingdom and the royal family.
“As the church, we stand with the people of Tooro Kingdom after the death of their King. We strongly pray for them and ask God to comfort them because only God is the one who can understand what they are going through,” Kajjoba said.
He added that the church was also praying for the future leadership of the kingdom and reaffirmed that its members and pastors in Tooro remain connected to the people during the difficult period.
“We pray for the kingdom and also pray for the one who will succeed him in that position. We have a church in Tooro Kingdom and our pastors have been representing us. We want to confirm to the people of Tooro Kingdom that we are with you in this trying moment and we assure you that you are in our prayers,” he added.
The launch was attended by several guests, including the Vice Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement, Hon. Rose Namayanja, alongside church leaders, believers and other invited guests.
The church says the initiative will strengthen its evangelism efforts by using technology to communicate messages of faith, hope and encouragement while promoting responsible use of digital platforms, particularly among young people.
