By Andrew Irumba
Kampala: The management of Top Radio undertook a massive restructure this week which has seen some new faces coming in and some senior employees relegated to other positions of responsibility.
Our Spies at the radio station reveal that in a bid to match the tight competition in the media industry,Top Radio 89.6FM, which is Uganda’s first Christian radio station, has done a shakeup in its programming and staff in order to deliver best services to its audience and also win new listenership.
The station has brought on board experienced and seasoned media personalities while some employees have been reassigned new roles and programes. Among the new recruits is Joan Lule, formerly of BBS Terefayina and experienced Sports presenter Suleiman Ddumba who worked at Akaboozi Radio for 14 years. Ddumba is known for unique football commentary skills. Others are Adam Kkungu, another seasoned journalist with vast experience in both broadcast and print media, who is hosting the daily political program ‘Okwatibwako’, which airs from Tuesday to Friday. Joan Lule does a program called ‘Sitima Y’amaka’ which airs daily at 12:00pm.
The Station Manager, Steven Dunstan Busuulwa, also a veteran broadcaster says that “The latest move is only intended to better our services and increase the station audience.” Busuulwa hosts two popular talk shows ‘Okwatibwako’ every Monday at 6:00pm during which he hosts mortar-mouthed Presidential Advisor Tamale Mirundi and ‘Negwozadde’ on Saturday at 8:00Am hosting senior political figures from the ruling party and opposition to discuss the weekly topical issues. “It is true we have made quite a number of changes to be the best and appeal to our vast audience. The new catches with experience in media will add flavour to the station. Desperate times always call for desperate measures. Change is a fact in life. The media trends keep on changing and we cannot remain static,” Busuulwa added.
Dunstan Busuulwa-Station Manager
Top Radio is owned by Pastor Jackson Ssenyonga, the Senior Pastor of Christian Life Church. Ssenyonga owns other radio stations in districts like Mbarara , Kitgum , Masaka , Lira , Mbale and Fort Portal. Busuulwa says the latest changes are not the last and more are yet to be unveiled. The radio’s flagship morning program ‘Simbula’ presented by Omugagga Kamagu, Ronald Mubiru and Omudingidi remains intact , but with new humorous and informative segments. “We are also going to relay live football matches such as Champions League, English Premier league, Uganda Premier league among others. Soccer and sports lovers have no reason to switch,” remarked Busuulwa. Although it is Christian founded, Top Radio broadcasts to both Christian and non-Christian audiences.
