On June 3, 2023, the Catholic Church in Uganda celebrated the solemnity of Uganda Martyrs by officially launching the Uganda Catholic Television (UCTV), a 2 billion mega television project.
The launch took place at Namugongo in Kampala, marking the successful completion of the first phase of the television’s establishment and test run, which began in 2020.
Formerly known as the National Catholic Television for Uganda (NCTV), UCTV aims to produce and disseminate high-quality content that enhances evangelization and integral human development. Currently operating on a “free-to-air” basis within a 60-kilometer radius, UCTV management is in discussions with potential service providers to expand the channel’s coverage.
During a recent training for diocesan communicators in Uganda ahead of the launch of the channel, Rev Fr Philip Odii, the Executive Secretary for the Communications Commission of the Uganda Episcopal Conference – UEC, highlighted the important role that UCTV will play in evangelization and the socio-economic transformation of the people in the country. He called upon the public to support the initiative and ensure its successful completion through prayers and assistance.
Fr Odii emphasized that it is the responsibility of communicators to make the establishment of UCTV known to the public, starting from their own homes, chapels, parishes, and respective dioceses. He also urged patience, as the project requires careful planning and development.
Located at the Catholic Secretariat in Nsambya-Kampala, UCTV’s main station will be supported by sub-stations in ecclesiastical provinces across the country. Lira Diocese will host the station for the Gulu Ecclesiastical Province, Mbarara Archdiocese for the Mbarara Province, and Tororo Archdiocese for the Tororo Ecclesiastical Province, where the necessary equipment has already been installed.
Staff, including producers and correspondents, will be recruited for the sub-stations to ensure the generation of quality content.
In addition to broadcasting on YouTube, UCTV is utilizing stickers and t-shirts as a means of promoting the upcoming television station to the business community. These promotional items are available for purchase by the general public.
With its slogan, “Good News for All,” UCTV will initially use English as the official mode of communication due to the multitude of dialects spoken across the country. The church aims to reach a wide audience with its message of faith and development.
The launch of UCTV marks a significant milestone for the Catholic Church in Uganda, as it seeks to harness the power of television to spread the Gospel and contribute to the overall progress of the nation.