Our History
The journey of Busoga One FM from a small community radio to Eastern Uganda's leading media house.
The Visionaries Behind Busoga One FM
Busoga One FM was founded in 2010 by James Mwandha, a veteran journalist with over 20 years of experience in media, and co-founded by Sarah Nabirye, a prominent businesswoman and community leader from the Busoga region.
The founders shared a vision of creating a media platform that would serve the unique needs of the Busoga region, preserving local languages and cultural heritage while providing high-quality news, information, and entertainment.
Their dedication to community-centered broadcasting has been the guiding principle of Busoga One FM throughout its history, resulting in a radio and TV station that truly represents the voice of Eastern Uganda.
James Mwandha and Sarah Nabirye at the station launch in 2010
Our Journey Through The Years
Foundation & First Broadcast
Busoga One FM was officially established on March 15, 2010, when we obtained our broadcasting license from the Uganda Communications Commission. Our first broadcast was aired on June 1, 2010, from a small studio in Jinja town.
With just five staff members and limited equipment, we began broadcasting for 12 hours daily, primarily focusing on news and cultural programs in Lusoga and English.
Expansion & First Award
By 2012, we had expanded to 24-hour broadcasting and increased our staff to 15 employees. Our listener base grew to cover the entire Busoga region, with an estimated audience of 300,000.
This was also the year we received our first industry recognition - the "Best Regional Radio Station" award from the Uganda Media Council, acknowledging our commitment to quality journalism and community engagement.
New Studios & Digital Transition
In 2014, we moved to our current state-of-the-art facilities on Main Street, Jinja. The new studios featured modern broadcasting equipment and expanded production capabilities.
We also launched our first website and began streaming our radio broadcasts online, making Busoga One FM accessible to audiences beyond our traditional broadcast area, including the Ugandan diaspora.
Television Launch
A major milestone in our growth was the launch of Busoga One TV in September 2016. This expansion allowed us to bring visual storytelling to our audience and create more diverse content formats.
The TV station initially broadcast for 8 hours daily, focusing on news, cultural documentaries, and local entertainment programs. This addition transformed Busoga One into a complete media house serving the region.
Community Initiatives & Recognition
In 2018, we launched the "Busoga Development Initiative," a series of community projects focusing on education, health, and economic empowerment. This included scholarship programs, health camps, and entrepreneurship training.
Our commitment to community development earned us recognition from the Uganda Communications Commission for "Excellence in Community Service Through Broadcasting."
10-Year Anniversary & Pandemic Response
We celebrated our 10th anniversary in 2020, marking a decade of service to the Busoga region. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted quickly to provide essential health information and remote educational content.
Our pandemic response initiatives, including the "Stay Safe Busoga" campaign, reached over 1 million people and received special recognition from the Ministry of Health for outstanding public service.
Digital Innovation & Expansion
In 2022, we launched our mobile application and expanded our digital presence with interactive platforms for audience engagement. Our social media following grew to over 500,000 across various platforms.
We also expanded our transmission capacity, increasing our broadcast coverage to reach neighboring districts beyond the Busoga region, with our listenership exceeding 1.5 million.
Present Day & Future Vision
Today, Busoga One FM and TV employs over 50 staff members and operates as Eastern Uganda's premier media house. We continue to innovate with new programming formats, digital initiatives, and community projects.
Our vision for the future includes expanding our content production capabilities, establishing a media training academy, and further developing our digital platforms to reach a global audience while remaining true to our local roots.
Key Milestones
First Broadcast
June 1, 2010
First radio broadcast reaches 50,000 listeners in Jinja and surrounding areas.
First Industry Award
November 15, 2012
Recognized as "Best Regional Radio Station" by the Uganda Media Council.
New Headquarters
March 30, 2014
Moved to current state-of-the-art facilities on Main Street, Jinja.
TV Station Launch
September 10, 2016
Expanded to television broadcasting, becoming a complete media house.
Community Initiative
February 5, 2018
Launched "Busoga Development Initiative" for education, health, and economic empowerment.
Digital Expansion
July 20, 2022
Launched mobile application and expanded digital presence reaching 500,000+ followers.
Leadership Through the Years
| Period | Chief Executive Officer | Program Director | News Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-2014 | James Mwandha (Founder) | Sarah Nabirye (Co-Founder) | David Isabirye |
| 2014-2018 | James Mwandha | Michael Kirunda | Rose Namukwaya |
| 2018-2021 | John Muwanga | Michael Kirunda | Rose Namukwaya |
| 2021-Present | John Muwanga | Sarah Namutamba | David Isabirye |
Be Part of Our Ongoing Story
Join the Busoga One FM community as we continue to grow and serve Eastern Uganda