Voice Of Africa FM 92.3

Broadcasting on 92.3 MHz from Kololo hill, this community radio station was established in 2001 by the Union of Muslim Councils for East, Central and Southern Africa (UMC). It holds the distinction of being the first Muslim radio station in the country. Its initial construction received monetary support from Libya's then supreme leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, complemented by a US$39,000 donation from Ugandan businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba. Upon its launch, the station encountered criticism for its musical content but subsequently became recognized and accepted for its focus on Muslim artists and music considered suitable for Muslim audiences. The station operates as Voice of Africa Limited, an LLC, under the regulatory oversight of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). It extends its reach to an estimated 75% of the country's population, delivering news and various programs. Broadcasts are conducted in several languages, including Luganda, English, Arabic, Swahili, Nubbi, and Runyankole. The station utilizes three distinct transmission sites: 92.3 MHz for the Central Region, 102.7 MHz in Masaka District, and 90.6 MHz in Mbarara District. Following the death of Gaddafi, the station experienced prolonged financial difficulties, which led to some of its programs being sponsored by individual Muslims. The station has also engaged in community-focused partnerships, notably with pay-TV service GOtv Africa, to organize activities marking Ramadan. These initiatives have included radio quizzes, visits to local mosques for iftar meals, and a celebration for Eid al-Fitr at the conclusion of the holy month. In August 2024, the station's broadcasting services faced significant interruptions due to a catastrophic event: a severe lightning strike impacted the main transmission towers of the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), resulting in a multi-day outage that affected this station and several others.