Entertainment
SIGNIS ready for World Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, scheduled for 3–8 August
Father Professor Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika, SIGNIS Africa President and Chairperson of the Africa Organising Committee for the SIGNIS World Congress to be held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 3 to 8 August 2026, says the continent is ready to welcome delegates and guests.
Paul Samasumo – Vatican City
Fr Walter told Vatican News, “We are less than a month away from the SIGNIS World Congress, and I want to affirm that we have everything under control. We have been working night and day to ensure that everything about every aspect of the Congress is well taken care of. The Continental Organising Committee, as well as the Local Organising Committee in Kigali, have worked hard and are still working hard to ensure a successful Congress. The website for the Congress has been up and running, and it has helped in the registration of Catholic Communicators intending to participate in the Congress,” he said.
Welcome to all delegates
According to Father Walter, the Congress will be held at the Sainte Famille Hotel, located within the city of Kigali.
Speaking further on preparations, Fr Walter said, “We have different departments that are working on a number of areas, reception, accommodation, logistics, transportation, making sure that people who are coming will not have any problem at the airport. We have been issuing letters of invitation to all SIGNOS members travelling, to ordinary Catholic Communicators who want to participate, and to others Catholic guests. Our goal is to make this World Congress a success and for people to take back home warm memories,” he said.
SIGNIIS World Congress in Rwanda
No Ebola in Rwanda
Asked about the Ebola Virus Disease that broke out in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country that shares a border with Rwanda, Father Walter allayed fears, saying that the Local Organising Committee was in constant touch with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health Officials. The status is that there is no Ebola in Rwanda.
“On the issue of the Ebola Virus Disease that broke out about two months ago in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), initially we were very worried. Fortunately, the disease has been effectively restricted to the DRC, where it broke out, and the World Health Organisation has not issued any travel alert for Rwanda. The country’s authorities take health issues very seriously, and that is why the Rwandan Government has told us there is no cause for alarm regarding the disease. They have told us to reassure everyone coming to Kigali for the World Congress that the Ebola outbreak will not pose a health problem for participants. Ebola has not entered Rwanda, and there is no cause for worry for anybody who is coming,” Fr Walter reiterated.
Last-minute registrations
Although official registration has closed, organisers say, they do not wish to turn anyone away. “If anyone has not registered, and yes, we indicated that registration closed on the 30 June, we know that there are people who may have had details to sort out or faced travel challenges, for example, permission from work, etc. We have made provisions for last-minute registrations. To such people, we say, reach out to us so that we can see how to accommodate your situation. Reach out to us through this contact: [email protected] or phone the Congress Admin Secretary – Mr Daniel: +250 789 061 605,” affirmed Father Walter. He then added, “The SIGNIS World Congress is open to all Catholic communicators worldwide since SIGNIS is a body for all Catholic Communication professionals whether they are SIGNIS members or not.”
The Congress and Magnifica Humanitas
Father Walter also observed that the recent encyclical of Pope Leo, Magnifica Humanitas, on safeguarding the human person in an era of artificial intelligence, aligns very well with the theme of the Kigali SIGNIS World Congress 2026: “Digital communication for communion, equity, and environmental well-being.”
To facilitate transportation to Rwanda, “We have reached out to some airlines in Africa, and they have graciously granted us some discounts and provided a promo code for those who will come to the Congress. These airlines are, RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways. If any participant is going to travel with any of these airlines, please get a promo code from us for you to get a 15% discount,” advised the SIGNIS Africa President.
SIGNIS World President, Mrs Helen Osman
Vatican officials in Kigali
Expected in Kigali for the Congress, apart from Catholic communicators, are some Cardinals and Archbishops from the African continent, senior Vatican clerics and officials of the Holy See, EWTN, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, CRS, the American Bible Society, and many other Catholic organisations and partners.
“The Congress is really packed with a lot of activities. It will also be a time for Catholic communicators from around the world to network and interact, share experiences, and immerse themselves in a new culture. We want everyone, even Africans, to experience the beauty of Africa beyond news headlines, African hospitality and African diversity in its language, food, tradition and cultures,” Fr Walter emphasised.
SIGNIS is the World Catholic Association for Communication. It is an international non-governmental organisation that unites professionals from over 100 countries in radio, television, cinema, journalism, and the internet.
Source link