Catholic Church launches UCTV

By Rachael Najjuma

5^th June 2023

The Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) has on Monday commissioned the Uganda Catholic Television (UCTV) at the Catholic Secretariat in Nsambya, Kampala .

The event has been graced by the Minister for ICT and National Guidance Chris Baryomunsi who represented President Yoweri Museveni and was also blessed by the UEC Bishop Chairman, Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa.

The television which was launched on Saturday during the Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo Catholic Shrine will be focusing more on Catholic programs alongside secular programming.

Delivering President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s speech, Dr Baryomunsi applauded the Catholic Church for starting a Catholic Television (UCTV) that intends to not only evangelize but also to also economically transform the society.

In the statement, President Museveni noted that the Catholic Church has been at the forefront of fighting for people’s wellbeing through the provision of social services which has empowered the government to prioritize the four sectors of commercial agriculture, services, industries and ICT that are the major key factors of transforming the society.

Museveni also hailed the Catholic Church for starting up projects that create jobs and increase national revenue including schools, hospitals and other companies among others.

Before the President’s speech, Rev.Fr Phillip Odii, the UEC Executive Secretary for Social Communication, commended the bishops of Uganda for establishing a Catholic television that is determined to serve the community diligently with its unique blend of religious and secular programs guided by the Catholic values with special focus on the young people.

He further revealed that this television will need the public’s financial support for its smooth running though since it hasn’t found its financial base.

The function was graced by different dignitaries some who include Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda Archbishop Luigi Bianco, the Archbishop of Kampala Paul Ssemogerere, the Chairman for UEC Communications Commission, Bishop Joseph Franzelli, Bishop of Masaka diocese Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, Bishop of Lugazi Rt. Rev Christopher Kakooza, among others.