Uganda Today Edition: Ofwono Opondo Under Fire for Comments Perceived as Defaming Catholic Church

Kampala, Uganda — Government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo has once again found himself at the center of controversy, this time for comments seen as disparaging the Catholic Church during a recent appearance on Capital FM’s flagship political talk show, The Capital Gang.

Speaking on the program, Opondo recounted his time studying in Italy near the Vatican, stating:

“I lived in Italy just across the Vatican for 6 months when I was studying a course about journalism in emerging democracies and I must tell you all what the people think about the Catholic Church is not true. Just outside there was the biggest prostitutes in the area.”

Following the broadcast, Opondo took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to reiterate the remarks, sparking a firestorm of criticism. Many accused him of reckless speech and of showing disrespect towards the Catholic faith, one of the largest religious communities both in Uganda and globally.

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Critics quickly responded across social media:

• Hakiim Bukulu (@Bukulu_Hakiim) sarcastically questioned Opondo’s Christian name, implying a betrayal of Christian values.

• Jonah Mwanje (@JMwanje) called Opondo a “paid fool, liar, thief, and murderer” who “knows nothing” about the faith he criticized.

• At-Fra (@AtwazaF24775) expressed deep disappointment, writing: “This is so myopic from an old fellow, OO. You’re really a shaming boy surely, you don’t deserve the title man…your perspective on mere observations is disappointing with all those books — ‘useless books’.”

The backlash reflects the deep reverence many Ugandans hold for the Catholic Church and the sensitivity required when speaking about religious institutions. Critics argue that Opondo’s comments lacked nuance and disrespected not only the Catholic Church but also the dignity of the faithful.

Some commentators pointed out that proximity to the Vatican — a global religious site — cannot fairly or logically be used to judge the institution itself. “The behavior of individuals in a secular city cannot be conflated with the values of the Catholic Church,” one Catholic lay leader remarked anonymously.

This is not the first time Ofwono Opondo’s public statements have drawn outrage. Known for his blunt and often confrontational communication style, Opondo has a history of courting controversy, which his critics argue undermines the dignity expected of a government spokesperson.

As of the time of publication, Opondo had not issued an apology or clarification regarding his remarks.

Religious leaders have largely refrained from commenting publicly, but insiders suggest that some prominent Catholic voices are quietly lobbying for an official government apology to uphold interfaith respect and national harmony.

The episode once again raises the question of whether public officials should exercise greater caution and diplomacy when discussing matters of faith, particularly in a religiously diverse country like Uganda.

EDITORIAL | Ofwono Opondo’s Remarks Show Dangerous Disrespect for Religious Sensitivities

Uganda’s national fabric is delicately woven with diverse religious, cultural, and social threads. It demands from public officials — especially government spokespersons — a level of caution, respect, and diplomacy when addressing matters of faith.

It is therefore deeply disappointing that Ofwono Opondo, the Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre and a long-time government mouthpiece, could so casually make remarks perceived as defamatory towards the Catholic Church during a public broadcast on Capital FM’s The Capital Gang.

Suggesting that the presence of prostitution near the Vatican somehow reflects on the integrity of the Catholic Church is not only logically flawed but profoundly disrespectful to millions of believers. As any serious-minded observer would recognize, urban social challenges cannot be simplistically attributed to religious institutions.

Opondo’s subsequent choice to repeat his comments on X (formerly Twitter) — instead of exercising reflection — only exacerbated the damage. The flood of public condemnation was both predictable and justified.

Public figures wield significant influence. When they speak, they do not do so merely as individuals; they represent the institutions and values of the offices they hold. Opondo’s remarks, reckless and dismissive as they were, fall far below the standard expected of someone entrusted with the government’s communication.

In a country where religious identities are deeply cherished, leadership demands sensitivity. Reckless commentary from officials risks inflaming divisions, disrespecting faith communities, and weakening public trust in government institutions.

It is imperative that Uganda’s leaders, regardless of personal views, uphold the highest standards of respect for all faiths. An apology from Ofwono Opondo would not only be appropriate but necessary to reaffirm the government’s commitment to religious tolerance and national unity.

Uganda deserves leaders who heal, not those who sow contempt.

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