The unreliability of the Uganda Broadcasting Cooperation (UBC) radio station in Moroto district has shocked President Yoweri Museveni.
Jones Othieno alias DJ Jones, a staff at the station told the president at Morulinga State Lodge in Moroto that the station, which serves Karamoja region, only operates twice a month.
Othieno, who utilized the opportunity of question time, revealed to the president that the radio had failed to serve its purpose in the region due to technical problems.
He urged the president to intervene in the situation. President Museveni laughed at the revelation and pledged to follow up the matter.
"I’m sorry to hear about UBC which is totally seasonal. A radio is supposed to be daily not seasonal. That it only comes on twice every month - that one now is something new because radio is supposed to be everyday, otherwise how will people know which date. I’m very happy you told me, I’m really going to follow it up." said Museveni.
The radio was commissioned by the president in March 2015 and operates in Singila village. The station operates in a small container in an open compound, which is littered with cow dang.
All the radio equipment including the transmitter are in the same container. UBC Radio, also known as Totore mainly operates when there is electricity.
On many occasions, government officials, who are supposed to sensitize residents on government programs, opt for private radio stations in town due to the poor status of the UBC station.