As a community radio station, part of KKCR's mission is to give a voice to the people. Locals of all kinds – leaders, men, women, children – participate in KKCR programmes, whether to present information, give testimonials or ask questions. Programmes feature debates and call-in discussions. KKCR also serves as a substitution for phone service – travelers may stop by to broadcast a message to their loved ones to let them know that they're almost there. Every Sunday afternoon, children line up to prerecord greetings to family and friends.
KKCR programmes educate the community about rural development and human development and also promote civic engagement. The following are some of the topics addressed by KKCR:
Human Rights/Domestic Violence – Testimonies of injustices by clients on the radio have played a key role in creating awareness and positive action in the villages. In the evaluation carried out to assess the impact of the human rights programme, it was revealed that 12% of the participants confirmed there was less domestic violence, 7% said women are more empowered and 13% said that local leaders know their rights and responsibilities and now do things differently.
Land Rights – URDT airs weekly radio programmes on land issues and the absence of violence to some degree is attributable to information disseminated over the radio. The wave of land-related violence that almost broke out in 2003 was effectively curbed using multiple approaches, including the radio.
HIV/AIDs & Health Issues – KKCR airs weekly one-hour radio broadcasts on Gender and HIV/AIDS, including testimonies from those already affected by the disease who are living positively. The radio also broadcasts the Girls' School theatre performances in villages and the discussions that follow.
Youth Health & Sexuality – URDT students hold weekly programmes on health-related issues, discussing matters of sexuality, growth and development. Participation in Straight Talk club, a nationwide movement for adolescent health, gives geographically isolated school children the opportunity to get information from their peers over the radio.
Governance & Transparency – URDT broadcasts weekly programmes focusing on public resource accountability issues such as detention without trial, corruption, leadership and good governance. Ministers, members of parliament and district leaders participate in these programmes. Listeners also contribute to the discussions by phone. In a 2004 survey, Local Council V chairman George W. Namyaka said, "The more people listen to the radio, the more enlightened they become. They get to know their rights. The more they demand for accountability, the more the leaders must be alert. People want value for money and we must make proper judgment. We are likely to work harder and the livelihood of the people will improve."
Peace-Building – URDT has contributed to peace in a region threatened by ethnic and political conflict through mass sensitization over the radio. KKCR ran a five-month programme by the Rwenzori Peace and Justice Forum on peace building and reconciliation to curb tribal conflicts arising in three sub-counties in Kyenjojo District. As a result of these programmes, various parties have negotiated their differences rather than resorting to violence.
KKCR Radio
URDT's community radio station, Kagadi Kibaale Community Radio (KKCR) plays a vital role in all that URDT does. On the air 365 days a year, 16 hours per day, KKCR broadcasts thousands of educational programmes each year, reaching a listenership of 4 million people in a 50-mile radius around Kagadi. It offers educational and participatory programming on human rights, land rights, health, family relations, education, gender consciousness and politics.
Testimonials on How KKCR Has Impacted Listeners' Lives
A survey we conducted in the district showed that listeners have gained information and knowledge on a variety of issues such as children and women's rights, land rights, child abuse, domestic violence and education of the girl child. The following are excerpts from the survey:
"For the last five years, KKCR has helped me sensitize people about girl child education all over and outside the Kibaale District. This is a clear testimony because the number of girl pupils has on average increased compared to previous girls' enrollments in this region." Rev. F. Christopher Michael Mujule of Bwikara S/C.
"Human Rights is the mother programme of all on KKCR by speaking/advocating for the voiceless who had suffered for the last centuries in this area and Uganda at large. When you take your case to Maloba at URDT, he really feels attached to it and finds ways immediately to address it as opposed to our local leaders and the police at large." Kyomazaliye Muhindo of Kyaterekera trading center in Mpeefu S/C.
"The Family Life Education programme has helped husbands in our trading center know how to care for their wives and vice versa; housewives have also learned how to love their husbands." Nakitende of Mpasaana trading center in Nkooko S/C Bugangaizi County.
"KKCR has helped improve on health in this area. Before the inception of KKCR in 2000, we used to immunize 23%-32% of the children, but now when it comes time to immunize, I tell you, my friend! We really get tired. People come in big numbers. It is not only that – we have a sensitization programme on blood check-up for HIV/AIDS (Voluntary Counseling & Testing). People have really joined willingly, and others are even living positively with HIV but still feeling okay. You know we have been there on the radio, we have sensitized people about all these issues. They ask questions and we answer them. So to me, KKCR, I must say, it is another savior of this district." Dr. Sabiti Edward of Kagadi Hospital.
"I'm not that Senyonga you used to know in the '90s. The radio has shaped my understanding and analysis of issues surrounding me in my life. Therefore, I don't miss listening to KKCR every day because it is my source of wisdom." Senyonga of Kiryanga.
"Through listening to KKCR, I have learnt how I can make my will in order to avoid misunderstandings which may erupt after my death. On land issues in Kibaale, I now know the procedures of how I can acquire the title for land that I'm already on." Erika Bikwasiroha, chairperson of women's council Bwanswa.
"KKCR has helped me advertise my business. Hence people come from far to buy my goods. Therefore, there's high improvement in my business compared to the last five years." William of Kyaterekera.
"As a cultivator I have acquired new knowledge and skills through the Agriculture programme. It has helped me boost my income. I even have cows which I never had in my life." Mzee Erieza Kigunde of Kakumiro Bwanswa S/C.
How the Community Feels about KKCR
In our survey we asked community members how they would feel if KKCR went off the air. The following were typical responses:
"I would be like an orphan who has lost all his parents before completing his secondary level of education." Majara Godrey, Karuguuza Kibaale town council.
"We would fall sick. It's like stopping people from digging latrines." Woman, 25 years, farmer/businesswoman, Kikaada.
"It would be like a kid who had started walking well but all of a sudden he gets a disability. I don't wish it. Do not even presuppose it, my friend." Sabiti.
Learn more about these programmes:
Appropriate Technologies
Human Rights
ICTs/Computer
Land Rights
Microcredit Fund
Sustainable Agriculture/Demo Farm