“Turn Your Phones Into Pulpits”: Babalanda Launches SDA Digital Evangelism Drive, Calls for Online Gospel Revolution
Minister for the Presidency Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda has called on Christians to take the Gospel beyond church walls and into the digital world, urging believers to turn their smartphones into “pulpits” for reaching millions of people online. Babalanda made the call while launching the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “One Voice27 Mission For All, Hope Starts Here” digital evangelism campaign at Iganga SDA Church.
The launch brought together hundreds of SDA believers, church elders, youth leaders and members of the wider community, creating a vibrant gathering centred on faith, technology and the responsibility of Christians to influence society positively.Babalanda said the Church must adapt to the changing communication habits of Ugandans, noting that smartphones have become one of the most powerful channels through which people receive information, entertainment and ideas. She encouraged believers to use that reach to share biblical teachings, messages of hope and values that can strengthen families and communities.
“In this generation, most Ugandans hold smartphones, and they dedicate more time to them than TVs, radios and newspapers,” she said, arguing that the digital space should no longer be viewed merely as a platform for entertainment but as a major mission field for evangelism.The Minister, who doubles as Director for SDA Busoga Women Field, particularly challenged young people to reconsider how they spend their data bundles and online time. “I urge you to start using your phones as pulpits. In your hand you hold a church and a Bible. Instead of using data bundles online to sin, use data bundles to win souls,” she told the congregation.She warned against the negative use of social media, pointing to pornography, online exploitation, excessive consumption of entertainment and the spread of propaganda and misinformation as some of the challenges affecting young people.
Babalanda urged believers to make their digital footprints reflect Christian values, saying every online post can be used to spread either positive or harmful influence.Babalanda also commended the SDA Church for embracing digital evangelism and said the initiative comes at a time when Uganda needs concerted efforts to promote morality, unity and responsible citizenship. She pledged her support to the campaign and called on other religious denominations, cultural leaders and parents to join efforts aimed at protecting young people from harmful online influences.
The Minister conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President Hajji Yunus Kakande and staff of the Office of the President. SDA leaders in Iganga thanked Babalanda for attending the launch and supporting their mission to use modern technology to take the Gospel to audiences far beyond the traditional church setting.
