MJAMR

Regional Radio Broadcasting and Human Rights Awareness in Uganda: Audience Engagement and Institutional Constraints at Radio West FM

Naswiru Sekamate, Shanitah Arinaitwe


Abstract

This study examined the role of Radio West FM in promoting human rights awareness in western Uganda, focusing on its contribution to public education, audience engagement, and the challenges affecting human rights broadcasting. Radio plays an important role in disseminating information and facilitating public dialogue, particularly in communities with limited access to other information sources. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach using a case study design. Data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews involving radio listeners, media practitioners, media experts, human rights activists, and civil society representatives. Of the 67 questionnaires distributed, 56 were returned and analysed, while eight key informant interviews were conducted. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined thematically. The findings revealed that 78.6% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that radio contributes to human rights awareness, while 76.8% considered Radio West programmes accessible. Interview findings further indicated that news bulletins, talk shows, interviews, and interactive call-in programmes provide opportunities for educating listeners about human rights issues, including gender-based violence, child protection, land disputes, equality, and access to justice. However, the study identified several challenges affecting the station’s effectiveness, including limited airtime, financial constraints, political sensitivity, language barriers, and inadequate participation of legal and human rights experts. Guided by Agenda-Setting Theory, the study highlights the potential contribution of radio programming to the prominence of human rights issues in public discussions. It concludes that Radio West FM provides an important platform for human rights education, although its effectiveness may be constrained by institutional and communication challenges. The study recommends increased airtime for human rights programmes, stronger editorial independence, improved funding, greater involvement of qualified experts, and the use of accessible language to enhance public understanding of human rights.

Keywords

Radio broadcasting human rights awareness audience engagement Agenda-Setting Theory Radio West FM Uganda.
Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research

Cite This Article

Naswiru Sekamate & Shanitah Arinaitwe (2026). Regional Radio Broadcasting and Human Rights Awareness in Uganda: Audience Engagement and Institutional Constraints at Radio West FM. Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research, 5(10). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=1922

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