By VOM News Team.
To transform, according to the Oxford dictionary means, to make a marked change in the form, nature or appearance of
Voice of Muhabura, Kisoro’s pioneer radio station is the district’s leading service provider in wireless communication offering a wide range of products tailor made to suit its every changing listener.
Among the radio’s key selling points include an innovative and culturally aware staff who are committed in meeting clients’ needs.
Earlier this week, Voice of Muhabura Staff led by their Managing Director Prince Trevor Mugenga set out into the communities carrying freebies for people found listening to the leading Voice.
The items included Washing Soap, Detergent and Salt.
Radio Agents were also given stickers to put on their premises of work to allow people easily access radio phone lines, email address and other social media handles.
Prince Trevor Mugenga explained that the radio has always been appreciative of its listeners who have always been loyal from day one.
Trevor explained that 15 years is a long time for any business to exist, learn and even understand client needs.
“We are well aware that communities deep down in the village are still not in position to meet some financial needs because of poor farm seasons or family breakdown. We wanted to remind them that a little love and hope can makes things better”, Trevor explained.
The family run radio started back in 2008 as a Community Based Radio primed at offering free airtime for the word of God.
The radio was also meant to educate communities on Government programs, provide news as well as create employment opportunities for talented Bafumbira as presenters, reporters and marketers.
A recent IPSOS report 2022 placed Voice of Muhabura radio as the number two radio in Kigezi region behind Perennial Powerhouse Voice of Kigezi.
The same report placed Voice of Muhabura website as the number one social media platform in the region after it was recognized for its accurate and timely reporting.
Trevor admits that great change in behavior among listeners can be observed in the last 15 years.
According to Trevor, People used to hang Makula radios on the highest point of a tree or at the edge of the house, blasting it at full volume, this is how the communities got information about what’s going on elsewhere in the world.
“All that is gone now because technology and behavioral change among people has them seeking information privately choosing what they want, when they want it and the radio management knows we need to keep innovating to remain relevant, Trevor noted.
Amago Yacu, Announcements and News leading Programs.
It has been established that the most listened to programs on Voice of Muhabura include Amago Yacu which focuses on family life and the challenges faced in homes.
The program seeks to offer advice to real life situations from members of the community who are trustworthy and have some experience in handling family life conflicts.
Julius Nkunda, one of the presenters of Amago Yacu admits that the communities are struggling with family breakdown because Alcoholism and loss of respect for men by their wives is on the rise.
Nkunda says, the radio is one thing that ensures peace in homes at night and while they listen to the radio, practical suggestions to improve their marriages are shared.
News and Announcements attract high listenership because the editorial team at the radio strives to air stories central to the lives of people in Kisoro and goes an extra mile to do follow-ups and invite key experts to elaborate on matters that communities can benefit from.
Public Reaction
“When the war in Eastern DRC first broke out, I heard it first on Voice of Muhabura”, Munyambabazi Ben from Bunagana explains.
They didn’t just stop there, they had journalists visit the border and followed the story every day. It made me feel like I knew what was really going on”, Munyambabazi said.
Susan Mbabazi from Kisoro Municipality says the weekend shows are so interesting and informative where experts who are in Kampala or elsewhere are connected by phone to participate in key issues.
Mbabazi admits owning a television but on weekends, she prefers to listen to Voice of Muhabura as she washes her clothes and prepares lunch.
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