By rwenzoridaily.com
50 million has been raised during a fundraising drive aimed at boosting the airwaves and strengthening the signal quality of South Rwenzori Messiah Radio.
Codenamed “the Messiah Radio Week,” the fundraising drive which started on Sunday May 22nd was climaxed on Satarday May 28th 2022 at Kamaiba Youth Centre in Kasese town.
In his report, the Bishop of South Rwenzori Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Nason Baluku explained that being the first Media House in Kasese district and the entire Rwenzori region that hit the airwaves on July 28, 1998, the Radio which used to have a wider coverage, can no longer serve the population effectively as it used to do because the machines have worn out, a reason why they decided to organize a fundraising drive to raise money to buy new machines.
The Prelate also decried the high taxes levied on Media Houses in form of license and appealed to the government to consider reducing such taxes for the sustainability of the Anglican Church founded Radio Station.
The Church Minister, however, revealed that despite the challenges faced, Messiah Radio has been able to reduce cases of domestic violence from the communities through preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and messages related to development.
Barnabas Bamusede Bwambale, the Chairperson for the Board of Directors for Messiah Radio described the Media House as a training ground for most journalists within and outside the district.
On her part, the Kasese District Woman MP, Hon. Florence Kabugho, who is a former Assistant Manager for Messiah Radio observed need for the government to filter its owned Radio Stations so that they do not interfere with the frequencies of the privately owned Media Houses.
She also challenged the journalists never to undermine any kind of job despite the little payments that they are given but to instead use their Media Houses as a platform to make them climb to the next destination.
Representing the Minister of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi as the Chief Guest, his State Minister, Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga described Messiah Radio as one of the platforms that amplify the voice of government to create awareness about development in various communities.
He, however, challenged media practitioners to use their Media Houses properly to promote peace and avoid statements that would incite the public into violence.
Responding to the Bishop’s concerns of having taxes levied on Media Houses reduced, Kabbyanga openly said government was not ready to reduce any taxes but instead called on Media Houses to look for more business so that they are empowered to pay taxes.
At the function, at least three lucky winners of the raffle tickets were announced by the Chief Guest. The included Jonus Kathe from Kisinga who won himself a radio set, Emmex Mumbere from Lhuhiri in Mahango sub-county walked away with a mattress and Pedson Masereka from Mahango won himself a smart phone.
Emmex Mumbere, who won himself a mattress, said when he heard of the good news, he thought it was a dream.
