Mega FM promotes conflict resolution in northern Uganda

    | January 21, 2008

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    DCFRN partner Mega FM was created to provide northern Ugandans with information that would increase their opportunities to engage with peace and development issues, as a way of promoting peaceful conflict resolution. The station carries a wide range of programs, including news, drama, cultural events, and other specific programs covering themes in development, human rights, and conflict reduction.It counts among its successes a role in averting violence between ethnic groups by broadcasting peace messages and giving airtime to the authorities to appeal for calm following killings at Barlonyo, Lira. Project organizers state that “evidence also suggests that the station played a major part in encouraging Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) members to come out of the bush.” On August 29, 2006, the deputy leader of the LRA called Mega FM and used it to declare an end of hostilities following a signing of an agreement between the government of Uganda and the LRA.

    Mega FM was launched in August 2002 as part of a five-year joint initiative by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development and the Government of Uganda. The radio station is now fully self-sustaining from advertising revenue and sponsored programs.