According to the university, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) took away the university’s radio frequency and handed it over to another institution over the university’s alleged failure to pay Shs15million licensing fees.
While speaking during the launch of new programs; Master of Arts in Strategic and Corporate Communication and Masters of Arts in Journalism and Multimedia, the university’s deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Prof Umar Kakumba appealed to ICT Dr. Chris Baryomunsi over the matter noting that the department of journalism and communication missed out a lot from its closure.
In response, Baryomunsi expressed shock over the matter and noted that he would follow up on the matter and assured that the station will be reinstated.
“Minister Baryomunsi assured us that our frequency will be reinstated because it is important not just for broadcasting news, but for training our learners. He said his office would liaise with the UCC over the matter,” Prof Kakumba said.
Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, the head of the journalism department noted that the radio will boost the training of students at the university.
“We are very excited that the government has started the talks to have our radio returned. This will boost our training,” Dr. Nakiwala said.
Dr. Adolf Mbaine, a senior lecturer in the department, said broadcast students have been disenfranchised without the radio station.
“Radio is a key teaching tool, especially to those students who specialize in broadcasting. We understand our frequency was given to a certain church but if it is to be returned, it is a welcome idea,” he said.
At the same function, the university Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, said they are planning to upgrade the department to a school. He said that more programs are needed at graduate and undergraduate levels, with at least 20 professors, senior lecturers, and Ph.D. staff to make the school a reality.