The Church of Uganda (COU) has reflected on its journey of resilience and innovation in media and digital transformation, a shift that began at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
On March 18, 2020, just days after the enthronement of Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu as the 9th Archbishop and his installation as Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala, places of worship across Uganda were closed as part of national health measures. The restrictions disrupted traditional ministry operations, with congregants unable to gather physically, including for funerals.
In response, the Church rapidly adapted by turning to media and digital platforms to sustain worship services.
Broadcast services were initiated from the Archbishop’s Palace in Namirembe, ensuring continued spiritual engagement for millions of faithful. Media organisations and individuals also stepped in to support the effort.
Among the early contributors was Kin Kariisa, Chief Executive Officer of Next Media, who offered airtime on NBS Television for English-language services and Sanyuka TV for Luganda broadcasts. Other broadcasters subsequently joined, expanding access across multiple platforms and languages.
Digital ministry efforts were further strengthened by Words of Hope Ministries Uganda, which provided livestreaming services via Facebook and YouTube. The Anglican Youth Fellowship Choir also contributed through music ministry, offering encouragement during a period of uncertainty.
Notably, much of this support was provided in goodwill, without financial compensation.
As the pandemic persisted, the Church began building internal capacity to sustain its digital presence. It acquired majority shares in COU Family TV, strengthening its broadcasting capabilities, and established the @onlinecou platform to coordinate online ministry activities.
However, adoption of livestreaming technologies across dioceses remained uneven, with many churches facing financial and technical constraints.
A major turning point came through a partnership facilitated by Archbishop Kaziimba with John Kamya, Chairman of Hamilton Telecom, who committed to fully sponsor the Church’s digital transformation.
The partnership has since driven several initiatives, including the establishment of Paxtel to serve Christian communities across denominations, SalaamTel for the Muslim community, and AgroTel Uganda to support digital transformation in agriculture.
The Church is now advancing the development of a comprehensive Management Information System (MIS), aimed at improving communication, administration, and accountability across its structures. The initiative is fully funded by Hamilton Telecom.
Through Paxtel Mobile, COU is pursuing strategic priorities such as creating a unified communication platform for Church institutions, delivering technology-enabled services, generating employment opportunities for youth, promoting financial literacy and inclusion, and strengthening healthcare and social service support.
As it continues on this path, the Church says it remains guided by its mission and values, with a vision of becoming a fully digitally empowered institution capable of effectively serving its congregants in an increasingly connected world.
