Mama FM at 25: A Legacy of Amplifying Women’s Voices

11 October 2026, 8:27 am

By Byamukama Alozious

Mama FM, Uganda’s women-focused community radio station, celebrated 25 years of broadcasting on October 10, 2026, honouring the resilience of the female journalists who turned a vision of amplifying women’s voices into reality and sustained it over the years.

The station officially marked 25 years on August 24, 2026, having first gone on air in 2001 under the Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA). The celebrations brought together listeners, founding members, current and former staff, and beneficiaries to reflect on the station’s contribution to women’s empowerment, community development and gender equality.

The celebrations also recognized the contribution of Mama FM’s founders, current and former staff, who received gifts and certificates in appreciation of their dedication and service. The recognition honored the people whose commitment and hard work helped sustain the station’s vision of amplifying women’s voices and providing a platform for marginalized communities over the past 25 years.

The journey began with UMWA, founded in 1983 by female journalists who recognized the limited representation of women in mainstream media. In 1994, the association developed the idea of establishing a radio station that would give women and marginalized communities space to share their experiences, discuss issues affecting their lives and participate in public debate.

After years of planning, Mama FM received its broadcasting license in 1999 and was allocated the 101.7 FM frequency in 2000. Its first live programmes went on air on June 21, 2001, under the slogan “The Voice to Listen To.”

The establishment of the station reflected the determination of female journalists who believed women deserved a platform where their voices would be heard and their concerns taken seriously. Their vision was to use community broadcasting to challenge exclusion and promote women’s participation in public life.

At the anniversary celebrations, UMWA Executive Director Margaret Ssentamu Masagazi reflected on the journey and the continuing struggle to ensure women receive fair representation in the media.

Ssentamu said that despite 25 years of efforts to provide women with a platform, their participation in public debate remains limited. She noted that social and cultural norms continue to discourage some women from speaking publicly, contributing to their underrepresentation in media coverage and discussions that influence policy and decision-making.

She called for continued efforts to challenge these barriers and urged stakeholders to review laws and media training curricula to promote gender equality and improve the representation of women

The guest of honour, Ambassador Edith Ssempala, was recognised for her contribution to Mama FM’s early development. During the celebrations, she was thanked for connecting UMWA to a funder who provided the initial financial support that enabled the station to begin its operations. Her contribution highlighted the importance of partnerships in turning the vision of a women-focused radio station into reality.

Over the past 25 years, Mama FM has provided a platform for discussions on health, human rights, gender equality, family relationships, children’s welfare, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and economic empowerment. Its programmes have helped listeners access information and discuss issues affecting their families and communities.

Beyond broadcasting, Mama FM has contributed to the development of Uganda’s media and communications sector by training and mentoring journalists, particularly women journalists. Many of those who have benefited from its work are now active in newsrooms and communication departments across government institutions, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.

The station has also conducted training for women politicians, female journalists and male journalists, equipping participants with skills to communicate effectively, report on gender issues and promote inclusive public engagement. Through these initiatives, Mama FM has supported professional development while strengthening gender-responsive journalism and communication.

Jennifer Kalule, now the communications in-charge at UNEB, credited Mama FM for providing a platform that helped shape her professional journey. She said the station gave her an opportunity to grow from a young woman who struggled to express herself into a confident communicator able to speak on national issues with vigour.

Kalule said Mama FM played an important role in building her confidence and professional capacity, adding that she fully supports the station and its continued mission of amplifying women’s voices.

The station’s contribution extends to keeping marginalised communities in public discussions. By providing space for people whose experiences are often overlooked in mainstream media, Mama FM continues to connect community concerns with wider conversations about development, rights and equality.

Like many community broadcasters, however, Mama FM has faced financial constraints, the cost of maintaining broadcasting equipment and the changing demands of the media industry. The growth of digital platforms has also created opportunities to reach new audiences while requiring investment in new skills and technologies.

As the station marked its 25-year milestone, the celebrations recognised the founding journalists, leaders, staff, trainers, beneficiaries and listeners who have helped sustain its vision. The milestone also renewed attention to the work that remains necessary to improve women’s representation in media and decision-making.

The scale of the challenge for Women account for 51 per cent of Uganda’s population, yet their voices make up only 23 per cent of those heard on radio. Men, who constitute 49 per cent of the population, account for 77 per cent of radio voices.

The figures highlight the gap between women’s share of the population and their representation on radio, reinforcing calls for media organisations to provide women with greater opportunities to speak, be heard and shape public discussions.

As Mama FM looks towards the future, its 25-year journey stands as a testament to the resilience of the female journalists who believed in its founding vision and worked to keep it alive. Its continuing task is to sustain that platform, develop the next generation of journalists and communicators, and ensure women and marginalised communities have a meaningful voice in Uganda’s development.