UNESCO in collaboration with the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO through the Communication and Information (CI) Programme has donated radio broadcasting equipment to Radio Pacis, a local community radio operating in the West Nile Region of Uganda at an event held on 29th March 2023, in Kampala.
The equipment which was received on behalf the station by Business Manager Mr. Komakech Robert is expected to promote peaceful co-existence, boost literacy and foster Information access across refugee settlements across West Nile, a region with one of the largest refugee influxes in the country. The items donated included; a radio box, microphone and microphone stand, headphones, speakers, among others.
Speaking at the handover of the equipment, Ms. Rosie Agoi the Secretary General of Uganda National Commission for UNESCO underscored the importance and relevance of timely and effective communication underlining that, “communication is a very important tool that can promote literacy, and peace especially among vulnerable communities like the one in West Nile Region.”
Mr. Charles Draecabo (right) hands over one of the equipment to Mr. Richard Komakech. Looking on is Ms. Rosie Agoi, SG UNATCOM. ©UNESCO
Mr. Charles Draecabo, the National Projects Coordinator at the UNESCO Project Office witnessed the handover of the communication equipment. In his remark, he highlighted that Radio Pacis was identified as a beneficiary due to its wide listenership and coverage. He added that the equipment is intended to support programmes in the refugee settlements. The station boosts a signal radium of about 200 Km covering the region, and parts of Eastern Congo and Southern Sudan, a volatile region.
Mr. Komakech (left) smiles joyfully upon receiving the equipment. (Right) The equipment that were donated by UNESCO to Radio Pacis. ©UNESCO
Mr. Richard Komakech the stations, Business Manager while receiving the equipment commended UNESCO for donating the equipment to Radio Pacis and pledged to use them effectively for the benefit of the vulnerable communities in the region. He added that the arrivals of the equipment will go a long way in boosting the stations outside broadcasting services such as rural debates and community voicing which target refugees in the settlements across the region.
Uganda currently has 7 functioning Community Multimedia Centers spread across the country established by UNESCO to promote literacy, information access and community development. The CMC boost a community radio station and established libraries.
Mr. Komakech Richard, (right) signs the acknowledgment form after the receiving the Radio Transmission Equipment at the Secretary General’s Office. ©UNESCO