Uganda Episcopal Conference outlines plans for Catholic TV after launch. On Uganda Martyrs Day (June 3, 2023), the Catholic Church in Uganda opened the Uganda Catholic Television (UCTV). It was unveiled to the public by Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa, Bishop of Kiyinda Mityana Diocese and Chairman of Uganda Episcopal Conference at Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo.
Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli, Bishop Emeritus of Lira Diocese who doubles as Chairman of the Social Communication Commission of Uganda Episcopal Conference and board chair of the new broadcaster, used the reference to “TV Maria” to convey that the newly launched station will not exclusively focus on religious content, unlike the well-known Catholic radio station, Radio Maria. “In the midst of a growing number of religiously founded television channels, the Uganda Episcopal Conference has made it clear that the public should not expect a channel similar to ‘TV Maria’ as they unveil their own Uganda Catholic Television,” said Bishop Franzelli.
While the primary purpose of the television station is to serve as a means of evangelization, Bishop Franzelli emphasized that the Episcopal Conference aims at providing a unique and inclusive viewing experience for all Ugandans. This will be achieved by combining religious and secular programming in a manner that particularly appeals to the younger generation.
Bishop Franzelli made these statements during the official launch of the television station at Nsambya on Monday evening. He stressed that the TV project will operate with a commercial approach, seeking to generate revenue, but its primary objective will not be profit-making. UCTV enters a television landscape that is predominantly populated by religiously founded channels. He also said that UCTV is now viewed on Zuku channel 74 while negotiations with other Pay Tvs is going on.
Uganda Catholic Television, Good News for All.