SIRâ€” There is a new development at UTV that surprisingly has not generated any debate. Except for soccer, probably no one watches the station any more.

From midnight to the next day, the station screens the God Channel. On Sundays, only Christian programmes are screened. During the Christmas holidays, there was nothing except Christian programming for hours on end.

I think there are serious legal and ethical problems involved as there is now a growing danger of turning the station into a religious pulpit and diverting it from its mission. It is especially important to note that only one form of Christianity, that of born-again is being promoted.
Isnâ€™t this practice violating the basic liberties of many who have no religious ideology?

Prayer is good if no one is coerced into it. I am against a state-sponsored institution to coerce all viewers into prayer and other Christian beliefs.

Has UTV found out that religious ritual and instruction are the only way to teach values and ethics? Donâ€™t we see many Christians lacking ethics? Donâ€™t we see many pastors who lack compassion and respect for those who do not hold their beliefs?

UTV is violating the basic constitutional rights of Ugandans. The Constitution gives the citizens freedom that is rich in religious diversity and also allows for no religious beliefs. By separating religion and government, it gives the people the right not to be coerced into supporting anyoneâ€™s brand of religion with government money.

So when the Government lends its power and prestige to anyone type of religion, the rest of the citizens with differing beliefs or no religion become second-class citizens.

I can see a few selfish people at UTV wanting the State to sponsor their brand of Christianity, and I am one of those people who are not happy.

Enoc Kayogoza
Kampala

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