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By Atenyo Cinderella & Akeno Boniface Angura
The Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) has officially launched its new state-of-the-art premises for Totore FM 90.0 in Moroto District, marking a major step toward improving access to information in one of Uganda’s most underserved regions.
For years, Karamoja has faced serious media and communication challenges: limited radio coverage, poor infrastructure, low digital connectivity, and a heavy reliance on a few under-resourced local stations. Many communities receive little accurate, timely information on government programs, agriculture, health, peace-building, and development opportunities.
Stories about the region are often told by outsiders, while local voices remain marginalized. This launch aims to change that by providing a stronger, government-backed platform rooted in the community. The station, which first began operations in May 2015 under the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, had been operating from a cramped container on the slopes of Mt. Moroto. The limited space restricted equipment installation and overall performance.
Following internal reviews and Cabinet approval, UBC acquired and relocated to a more spacious facility at the former Karamoja Development Agency (KDA) offices in Singila Village, Katikekile Sub-county. The new site now serves all nine districts of Karamoja and beyond.
The high-profile launch on May 7, 2026, attracted senior government officials, local leaders, and community members from Moroto, Napak, Nabilatuk, and other districts. Key dignitaries included Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for ICT and National Guidance, and the Minister for Karamoja Affairs.
Leaders React
Karamoja leaders on Thursday used the launch of UBC Totore Radio to press government for tarmac on the Moroto–Kotido, Soroti-Amuria-Kotido-Kaabong–Karenga road and construction of more General hospitals in all districts in the sub-region that don’t have any like Nabilatuk, Napak among others.
They urged that the poor roads continue to disorganize businesses and blocking access to health centers as it worsens during rainy season. They are now requesting the NRM government to prioritize strengthening health system in Karamoja such that the population is healthy to participate in the economic transformation of the region.
Kotido District LC5 Chairperson Paul Lotee called on residents to embrace peace for development to thrive. He urged the Minister to remind President Museveni about pardoning Karachunas (former warriors) arrested during disarmament, citing family hardships.
He also appealed for more tarmacked roads to support emerging factories and better connectivity, and requested that the Minister for Karamoja Affairs reside in the region for easier access. Meanwhile the Moroto Municipality Mayor Ismail Mohammed emphasized the need to prioritize local recruitment for UBC staff and produce content in local languages so government programs are easily understood.
He requested a vehicle for the station to improve field reporting and community engagement. On the other hand, Moroto RDC Benon Kwikiriza stressed that the radio must effectively publicize government projects to ensure improved uptake within the communities. He also called for a review of government land that has been irregularly surveyed by private individuals.
Ruth Nambiru, Acting Chairperson of the UBC Board, appealed to President Museveni to increase the UBC budget to Shs 30 billion in the 2026/2027 financial year for better operations nationwide. She highlighted the importance of using local languages and creating a strong bridge between the government and communities. She urged Karamoja technocrats to fully utilize the station.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, who was the guest of honour, urged farmers to use the radio for agricultural knowledge through dedicated farming programs. He called for unity among Karamoja and other Ateker communities to attract more government projects. In a closing gesture, he promised to reinstate veteran Karamojong presenter Lochode Livingstone (Abarigani), who worked with UBC in the 1980s and is currently living in difficult conditions.
By broadcasting in local languages and focusing on development content, the station is expected to boost public awareness of programs like PDM and Emyooga, promote cultural pride, tourism, and peace, while giving Karamojong people a stronger platform to tell their own stories.
