Marking 20 years of empowering service, Dr. Patricia Litho, Chairperson Board of Directors, Uganda Media Women’s Association and Mama FM reflects on the journey moved this far.
“20 years ago the Uganda Media Women’s Association became the first in Africa and second in the world to set up a women owned radio for women by women. Through its Rural Radio Outreach programmes (ROP), UMWA was able to appreciate the urgent need for its own radio, a source for the voiceless.” observes Dr. Litho
The idea to create a women focused radio station amounted in 1994 following a situational analysis in view of coverage of women issues, their portrayal and space committed to cause. Henceforth, in 2001, Mama FM was birthed into the media space of Uganda.
Equally serving as Head Communications Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Litho adds that today, UMWA and Mama FM are proud to have created a space for women inclusive of youth and men to dialogue on issues given little attention by other media.
She says that Mama FM has empowered many women to take up political positions and demand for their rights.
Christine Nambi, a listener of Mama FM appreciates the women focused community radio for motivating women to participate in leadership including self. This she says through the trainings, workshops and programs of the station.
“As an aspiring politician, i have gained confidence through workshops organized by station and i thank Mama FM for the capacity building and skills training they organize for the community.” notes Nambi.
Among programs aired on the community development broadcaster are: Mamaboda Boda, PapaMama, Manya obulamu bwo, Sports.
Passionate about media, the Chairperson UMWA and Mama FM board adds that as media, Mama FM has demonstrated women can. It has trained, offered employment and not only by training and nurtured women leaders from the media fraternity including the current minister of lands, Hon. Judith Nabakooba.
Peace Acom, a former intern at Mama FM attests to gaining competent media skills in anchoring and production at the station. She says that these skills have enabled her to practice journalism but also applicable to her academic work at university
Formed as platform with a gender perspective, Mama FM started with a 16 people workforce on volunteerism and 20 years later, the station has over 30 volunteers as presenters, producers, reporters, anchors. These are timely supported by interns in delivering interactive, eduitainment, political and economic programs.
