In a concerted effort to address critical environmental challenges, the African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP) and UCAP-Uganda, along with international partners, have launched a groundbreaking Pan-African Refresher Program on integral ecology.

This program, which runs from November 6th to 11th, brings together participants from Ghana, Nigeria, Oman, Brazil, Germany, Togo, and Uganda.

The theme of the program, as highlighted by various key speakers, revolves around the role of media professionals in promoting integral ecology, as outlined in Pope Francis’s encyclical “Laudato Si.”

Charles Ndawula, President of UCAP-Uganda, stressed the program’s primary goal of strengthening media professionals’ capacities to tackle environmental issues essential to Africa’s sustainable development.

UCAP Africa’s President emphasized the program’s broader mission: creating a platform for disseminating information and education to advance integral ecology for sustainable development.

Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication at Vatican City, highlighted the significance of communication in addressing today’s pressing challenges, emphasizing the collective responsibility shared by society.

Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, delved into the concept of integral ecology.

He emphasized how it is not only about the environment but also about justice. He urged communicators to collaborate and engage in educating and informing the public.

Matia Lwanga Bwanika, Chairperson of Wakiso District Council, warmly welcomed participants and raised concerns about environmental challenges in Uganda and other African countries.

He urged participants to identify the root causes of these challenges and contribute to protecting the environment.