The Church of Uganda Family TV has today officially launched its long-awaited Luganda news bulletin Amafefete, which will be airing daily at 6:00 PM.
The launch took place at Church House in Kampala with a thanksgiving service, presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.
In his sermon, Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized the divine origins of journalism, recalling how God sent Angel Gabriel to deliver the news of Mary’s conception to Joseph.
The Archbishop noted that Journalism started with God and urged journalists to uphold professionalism, truth, and balance in their reporting.
The Archbishop expressed concern over the growing spread of fake news by some media outlets, which he said has fostered hatred and mistrust within communities and also cautioned media houses against airing disturbing or inappropriate content that can harm societal values.
“It is only Church of Uganda Family TV and very few TV Stations that you can watch comfortably with your children, in-laws, and all people of all age groups without fear of watching very sensitive information. Sometimes, I fear watching news on some stations because they make me lose sleep because their news is on murder, theft, violence and other inaccurate news.” Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu said.
The Archbishop Kaziimba also called for unity and sanity as Uganda heads into the next general elections.
“We should champion causes and manifestos of individuals instead of attacking personalities, tribes, religion and racial backgrounds. We must ensure that we desist from corruption for all people of God to benefit from God’s services,” He urged.
The Speaker of the Buganda Kingdom Lukiiko (Parliament), Owek Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, who represented the Chief Guest, the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda Kingdom Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga applauded the Church of Uganda for founding Family TV and launching Amafefete, describing the station as a transformative platform rooted in Christian values.
“Church of Uganda Family TV is anchored on very clear values of accuracy, Christianity, professionalism, and development-oriented news. On behalf of Buganda Kingdom, I congratulate the Church of Uganda on the establishment of Family TV and today’s launch of Amafefete,” Owek. Mugumbule said.
The Managing Director of Church of Uganda Family TV, Amos Mwesigye, explained that the decision to introduce the Luganda bulletin was driven by public demand and affirmed the station’s commitment to accurate and wide-reaching news coverage, citing the presence of reporters and bureau chiefs across Uganda.
While speaking on behalf of the sponsors, from Post Bank Uganda Ms Ann Nakangu Rashida praised the partnership between the Bank and Family TV, stating it was based on shared values of social and economic transformation.
“Beyond supporting Family TV because of its shared values, we are collaborating with the Church of Uganda to design a retirement benefits and pension scheme for Bishops, Clergy, and other Ministers,” She announced.
The Director of Shoma Christian Academy and Chaplain of St Kakumba Chapel at Kyambogo University Rev Eng Emmanuel Mwesigwa noted that his Academy is supporting Family TV programming to promote quality education and factual information.
In his remarks, the Provincial Fathers’ Union President of Church of Uganda, Samuel Bakutana encouraged investment in Family TV, urging Ugandans to promote the station and contribute both financially and with news content.
The event was attended by several dignitaries who included Deputy Inspector General of Government Dr Patricia Achan Okiria, the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda Rev Can William Ogwang, the Spokesperson of the Electoral Commission Julius Mucunguzi Bishop Dr. Hannington Mutebi, Retired Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala Dr Hannington Mutebi and the Provost of All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala the Very Rev Rebecca Nyegenye among others.
The Church of Uganda Family TV is available on DSTV channel 375, StarTimes channel 282, YouTube, and various social media platforms and DSTV was represented by Collin Asiimwe and pledged Ugx 30 million towards the establishment of the Amafefete news bulletin.
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