By Hedwig Arinaitwe
For many Ugandans, the day begins with the sound of a radio. It is a familiar and comforting sound – the voices of enthusiastic presenters delivering the morning news, weather updates, music and public announcements. In cities and quiet villages, radios are a constant presence, bridging the gap between information and everyday life.
Even in the digital age, where smartphones and social media dominate, the radio still holds its ground. It is a trusted voice, keeping millions informed—especially in times of crisis. With Uganda facing the growing threat of climate change, this old but resilient medium is proving more crucial than ever.
On February 13, the world marks World Radio Day, an annual celebration established by UNESCO Member States to recognise radio’s role in shaping societies. This year’s theme highlights its power in addressing the climate crisis by amplifying expert knowledge, sharing community voices, and equipping people with the information they need to adapt.
On its website, UNESCO states: “While the Paris Agreement takes on capital importance, radio contributes to the achievement of its international objectives by supporting populations in the face of climate change through the dissemination of fact-based information, listeners’ voices, and dedicated radio shows.”
Radio’s role in climate change communication
Uganda faces significant climate challenges, ranking 14th most vulnerable and 163rd least prepared to tackle climate change, according to the 2023 Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative report. The UN’s 2024 report further underscores the country’s lack of readiness, as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe. In this context, radio plays a crucial role in advancing climate action. With 38.3% of Ugandan households relying on it as their primary source of information, according to the 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics, its influence and reach remain unparalleled.
Joseph Akiiso, manager of Etop Radio in Soroti city, says that radio is important for people to make important decisions, especially since the country’s population depends on agriculture as a source of livelihood.
Akiiso’s station plays a crucial role in educating communities about climate adaptation. “Our programming targets those communities most affected by the adverse effects of climate change to help them adapt sustainably. We normally invite experts to teach people the best practices of environmental conservation and how to use weather forecast information to make the best farming decisions,” he says.
For farmers like Evaline Kembabazi from Kabale, these programmes are invaluable. “There is a programme on Hope Radio where they tell us about the weather of the day. We tune in to know what time we should leave the garden. Last year, we heard from the radio about farmers who were planting pine trees on their land to keep it fertile. We copied, and it’s working, especially in the hills,” she reveals.
Others, like Edward Baruha Munyazikwiye from Ibanda, commend the accuracy of radio weather forecasts but highlight the challenges of acting on the advice.
“Recently, the weather forecast people on Iraka Radio have been encouraging us to mulch coffee, add fertiliser, and water since it’s the dry season. I tell you, my farm stands out in the whole village, but some farmers can’t afford the inputs, and the information becomes less helpful,” he explains.
Climate information and traditional knowledge
While scientific news and information about climate change are becoming more accessible through radio, many communities still rely on traditional methods to understand the natural environment. In many areas in rural Uganda, changes in the colour of the sky often serve as indicators of incoming rain, while a mix of rain and sunshine is linked to folklore.
For Isma Kaliisa, a fisherman at Lugala Beach in Namayingo district, traditional forecasting methods have become unreliable, yet scientific forecasts still lack the specificity he needs.
“We listen to the radio expecting to find out which direction the stronger winds will blow from and the best time to go fishing, but such information is never given. Thus, we depend on traditional predictions, which are no longer accurate,” he says.
This gap highlights the need for more localised and detailed weather reports tailored to specific communities—whether farmers seeking to protect their crops or fishermen navigating unpredictable waters.
The challenge of keeping climate conversations on the air
Radio asks and answers the big questions, such as what we need to solve the climate crisis and how to get it done. However, it faces significant challenges in its mission to address climate change.
As Betty Mujungu, a journalist with Voice of Tooro, explains, limited resources pose a major obstacle.
“There are challenges that radio generally faces as a tool for climate action,” says Mujungu. “One of them is limited resources, including funding, since climate change messaging and programmes require research, community voices, and speaking to subject matter specialists to produce accurate and high-quality climate-related content.”
This lack of funding directly impacts the quality and depth of climate reporting, hindering the ability of radio to effectively inform and engage communities.
Beyond financial constraints, Mujungu highlights another issue—the monotony of radio formats. “Most radios in the region do radio talk shows and news, which are common,” she says, adding that repetitive formats can make climate discussions feel predictable and disengaging. To remain relevant, stations must diversify their content, integrating more interactive and dynamic programming.
The rise of digital alternatives and the future of radio
While radio continues to shape public discourse, digital platforms, particularly podcasts, are expanding the way climate information is shared. Rather than viewing them as competitors, these new mediums offer opportunities for collaboration and audience growth.
Grace Eron, an environmental enthusiast and lawyer who hosts the Eco Sustainability podcast, believes podcasts are particularly effective in reaching younger, tech-savvy audiences. “My intention of starting a podcast was to make climate information easy, accessible, and relatable for young people, as they are at the forefront of undertaking action on climate change,” she explains.
Beyond podcasts, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are also becoming powerful tools for climate communication. Eron urges journalists and media houses to embrace these platforms, saying, “We need to take the message of collective climate action to the whole world.”
Jonathan Tusubira, a project manager at DW Akademie, emphasises that for radio to be an effective tool in the fight against climate change, it must foster a strong, reciprocal relationship with its audience.
“Communities need radio to access information. If both could build trust within each other by sharing and receiving information and ultimately utilising the information, it would make their communities more resilient to climate change impacts,” he explains.
Seven decades after radio was first established in Uganda, it continues to be a trusted source of news and information, especially in rural communities where access to newer technologies remains limited. By embracing innovation while staying true to its roots, it can continue to bridge the gap between expert knowledge and local action, ensuring that climate information reaches those who need it most.
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Feature photo by Nicholas Githiri. Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-corded-headphones-1344563/
