By M. Rwakakamba The last time I met the fraternity of Rukungiri media practitioners, I presented them a Book titled “Attack the Messenger: How Politicians Turn You Against the Media. The instructive book was authored by Craig Crawford.
Last week, @UCC_Official closed down @BoonaFm radio based in Rukungiri. Boona FM served, with verifiable domination the greater Kigezi, most of Ankole and some parts of east DRC. Now many listeners, employees and clients of Boona FM are questioning whether @UCC_Official is acting as vassal / channel — very allegedly— through which the messenger “ Boona FM” is being “attacked”.
The closure of Boona FM Radio without a public explainer (the easy way is for UCC to argue that they don’t do official work through the Media”!). This lack of official explainer is fueling speculations and conspiracy theories. The second aspect is the speed or very much lack of speed that UCC seems to be taking on this very much politically tectonic and pregnant matter. The Radio is closed since last week and UCC is mute — perhaps expecting millions of people in Boona FM world, Boona FM orbit to trust the process!
Let UCC lay bare the evidence based crimes of Boona FM such that the public can make discernment on their own. Let UCC handle this matter quickly no matter their final verdict such that the Radio is back to serving the Public. If the decision is to continue the shutdown, let it be known such that Boon FM addresses whatever regulatory demands UCC seeks or appeals to other authorities including courts of judicature.
You see — when the situation remains like this: The dark shutdown; It’s @NRMOnline politics that suffer. Why?
1. The State Institution that closed down the Radio without an explainer is under the NRM government.
2. Boona FM is not just a platform for contestation of political ideologies and themes — but the Radio grew into a community anchor for information about government and private sector programs, for information on private and public functions, for community sports and entertainment, for education, for comparative development models and tourism (e.g. Boona led community leaders to Fortpotal, Bunyoro etc to study, tour and apply lessons back home).
3. Boona FM is an employer of 100s directly and indirectly supporting families and the nation.
4. Boona FM through its international news segment connects Rukungiri people to international affairs and many more.
Comrade @UCC_ED (Hon. Nyombi Tembo), I have known your experience and decisiveness over the years. If this issue is not directly on your radar or on your table, kindly get on it and address it. I know the UCC mandate make your hands full as you deal with everyday comms issues accross Uganda — But, @NRMOnline worked so hard to win Rukungiri in the last elections. We don’t want this solvable issue to make NRM’s work much harder this season. I thank you.
