CBS FM, a leading radio station based in Kampala, Uganda, has been a staple of the local media landscape since the early 1990s.
Owned and operated by the Central Broadcasting Service (CBS), this station is renowned for its lively mix of music, pop hits, and programming in Luganda, catering to a diverse and enthusiastic audience. With a significant presence on FM frequencies throughout Kampala and other regions of Uganda, CBS FM makes its programming accessible to a wide listener base.
Programming and Content
The station’s music programming is a vibrant highlight, featuring an engaging array of pop and local tunes that resonate with listeners. CBS FM’s upbeat and dynamic soundscape is complemented by a broad range of shows, including news, sports updates, and thought-provoking talk shows. This variety ensures that CBS FM remains a vital source of both entertainment and information for its audience.
Uganda Explained in 11 Minutes (History, Geography, & Culture)
Entanda ya Buganda is a radio quiz programme which aims at promoting Buganda culture and norms. The competition that tests participants on a wide range of issues from and within Buganda, including idioms and mastery of Luganda, culture, sports, politics, among others, attracts more than 500 participants.
Mukiibi explains, “We also introduced entanda ya masomero in schools which the Nnabagereka’s office facilitates. Certainly as Buganda we treasure it, we want our people to be proud of and master Luganda and our culture in general. We believe in the power of these events to sustain our culture and kingdom.”.
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The winner of the competition is always crowned on 31 December during a function presided over by the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II at his Mengo palace.
Enkuka yo Mwaka
Is an end of year fete organised by CBS FM, on New Year's Eve. Enkuka yo Mwaka crowns winners of the six-month-long Omuzira wa Bazira (hero of heroes) quiz competition which tests knowledge of Buganda kingdom culture.
It brings together some of Buganda's finest musicians. It is essentially entertainment, merry-making and full blast fun before the king officially ushers his subjects into the new year with a symbolic key. The winner of the competition is always crowned on 31 December during a function presided over by the Kabaka at his Mengo palace. Winners walk home with land titles and cash prizes.
Brief Hiatus
On 10 September 2009, CBS was taken off air for inciting violence among the public. This followed the numerous talk shows on the radio that hosted people who were critical of the government. Matters worsened when the Kabaka was blocked from travelling to Kayunga which led to riots.
The technicians would switch on the studio equipment, hoping CBS would be switched back on; with time, they stopped opening the studio. Occasionally, the CBS staff stopped by at the station to catch up, laugh at their misfortune and even share the little money they had.
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Most activities of the station were canceled including the public events and publications.
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