Luo TV excites residents

Residents of Gulu City are excited about the unveiling of the Wan Luo TV owned by Vision Group. The TV, which will be available on Star Times digital platform Channel 232, is targeting those who speak Luo.

Bill Tibingana, the head of Vision Group broadcast and strategy, said the TV was to hit the air waves by yesterday, on Star Times.

 He said the programmes are expected to kick off with music, movies and cultural items, such as proverbs and news highlights. Wan Luo TV will have 70% locally generated content

 EXPECTATIONS
 "This will be the fi rst time for the people in northern Uganda to have a national television broadcast in the Luo dialect. It will be our pride", James Obali, 33, the proprietor of a Youth Lalent Sports Academy ,Gulu branch, said.

Obali said Wan Luo TV will help boost developments in Acholi. Betty Aber, the deputy headteacher at Lalia Primary School in Gulu City, said she received the news with a lot of joy.

Ambrose Olaa, the prime minister of the Acholi Cultural Institution, said the innovation is an important milestone for the Acholi community.

 "In modern times, TV has become an important tool for transformation. My only concern, which already exists in the media in this region, is the distinct Luo languages are being confused; you find people speaking Acholi in Lango or Lango in Acholi, which waters down the dialect," he said Michael Lakony, the Amuru LC5 chairperson, is hopeful the TV will promote the Acholi culture.

Charles Odoc, 29, a technician with Star Times in Gulu, said they expect the TV to promote business, culture, tourism and recreational activities, such as sports in the region. Odoc said the TV will also help government to telecast and broadcast the election process in Luo, to help those who speak it, understand well.

Caroline Adong, a businesswoman, said she expects the TV to promote women activities and affairs, in addition to education and creating jobs for women and the youth