Minister Babalanda Launches SDA Digital Evangelism Drive, Urges Believers to Turn Phones into Pulpits

What the report says

IGANGA, Uganda — Minister for the Presidency Babirye Milly Babalanda has launched a Seventh-day Adventist digital evangelism campaign called “One Voice27: Mission for All, Hope Starts Here,” urging believers to use smartphones as tools for sharing the Gospel. According to Watchdog Uganda, the launch took place yesterday at Iganga SDA Church and drew hundreds of worshippers, youth leaders, church elders and other community members.

Babalanda, who also serves as director for SDA Busoga Women Field, told the congregation that digital platforms now shape how many Ugandans communicate and receive information. She encouraged Christians, especially young people, to turn their phones into “digital pulpits” and avoid using social media in ways she described as harmful or misleading. She also expressed concern about online behavior among youth, including exposure to pornography, exploitation and the spread of false information.

The minister conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and other senior government figures, and praised the President’s support for faith-based initiatives and for maintaining peace and stability. She said the church’s digital outreach was timely because it could help reach people who may not attend services in person. The report cites Uganda Communications Commission figures indicating the country has more than 19.7 million active mobile internet subscriptions, underscoring the potential reach of online ministry.

The SDA leadership in Iganga thanked Babalanda and the Office of the President for supporting the initiative. More broadly, the campaign reflects a growing trend across religious groups to use social media and mobile technology for outreach, education and community engagement.