{UAH} Clarifying the differences between English and Luganda programs on Radio Munansi

Of late listeners have been hearing arguments on Luganda program about content and scope of the English program. Here are the reasons:

1.     Luganda program is Buganda focused whereas the English program is Uganda focused;

2.     Luganda program tends to argue that Buganda problems are externally generated. The English program adds that there are domestically generated problems as well so we should look at internal and external challenges;

3.     Luganda program identifies problems but in most cases doesn't provide solutions. The English program provides innovative solutions like poverty mapping to be accompanied by social protection floors and conditional cash transfers etc;

4.     Luganda program feels we should not discuss differences among opposition groups until the NRM government has been removed. The English program argues that we should discuss them before NRM exits so that shared values and a common purpose are established before the removal of NRM to avoid a possible civil war when differences may not be resolved. Opposition groups come together to deal with a common problem and once that has been achieved their difference surface and result in fights, explaining in large part why revolutions are followed by civil wars;

5.     The English program has proposed a transitional government led by a presidential team instead of one person. The Luganda program is not comfortable with that;

6.     The English program favors using non-violent resistance in the first instance to minimize costs in human lives, infrastructure, institutions and properties. The Luganda program favors military invasion right away;

7.     The Luganda program wants to use armed action to overthrow the NRM government. The English program argues that resistance is more often than not a means to force a negotiated settlement. Luganda program doesn't entertain the idea of negotiating with NRM government under any circumstances;

8.     The English program argues that any Ugandan aspiring to become a leader must be scrutinized to ensure they pass the test. Luganda program opposes this approach.

9.     The English program uses the UDU National Recovery Plan as a basis for its work on civic education. Luganda program has no such a blue print.

10.                         Because the English program has two hours per session, it tries to manage the time used by commentators which is opposed on Luganda program that has four to five hours every session and can afford to be flexible, accusing the English program anchor of being dictatorial and prefers to talk to and not with listeners. Because of this situation, the anchor did not present what he had planned to do on yesterday's (Sunday) session.

Because of these differences, the management of Radio Munansi whose composition is unknown has indicated it will review the English program with a possibility of eliminating it. That will be sad should the program be eliminated. I felt listeners/readers should have this information should the English program be eliminated from Radio Munansi or to prevent it from being eliminated.

As we know there has been pressure from known quarters to do something about Radio Munansi, possibly targeting the English program alone or as a first step to closing the radio station altogether. Hopefully, this isn't the case behind the planned review of the English program.

Eric Kashambuzi  

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