Religion and Journalism in Uganda: Ethical Negotiation, Public Faith, and Media Responsibility

This manuscript examines the relationship between religion and journalism in Uganda, a society in which faith remains a major source of identity, public morality, civic authority, and community mobilisation. The central argument is that Ugandan journalism does not report religion from outside society; rather, it operates within a deeply religious public sphere where churches, mosques, independent ministries, and faith-based media actors influence sources, story frames, audience expectations, and ethical disputes. The discussion is based on a narrative review of recent literature and policy materials published between 2018 and 2023. The paper shows that religion contributes to journalism by widening moral debate, providing trusted community voices, supporting development communication, and sustaining local radio content. However, it also creates professional risks where reporting becomes promotional, sectarian, politically aligned, or insufficiently verified. The manuscript concludes that responsible religion reporting in Uganda requires accuracy, fairness, plural sourcing, contextual sensitivity, and editorial independence, especially in radio and digital spaces where faith messages travel quickly and shape public interpretation.