CBS FM, positioned as the voice of the Buganda Kingdom, was much anticipated and eagerly received. It became a rallying point for the public, old and young, setting the national entertainment mood and reflecting it.
Kampala Skyline, where CBS FM is located.
Early Years and Competition
The privatization of the economy started in 1991, the same year as the downsizing of the civil service. Originally, the first private FM station, Radio Sanyu, was supposed to have been a joint venture between the family of Thomas I. On 16 December 1993, after several weeks of testing its broadcast signal, Radio Sanyu went on air. Radio Sanyu and Capital Radio stirred up the advertising market in the country. Radio adverts were now “jazzed up”, exciting, and sometimes as exciting as the more popular DJs. Stiff competition grew between Radio Sanyu and Capital FM over who had the largest listening audience. The first of these were John Katuramu, the then Prime Minister of the Toro Kingdom, and the Buganda Kingdom.
Cultural Impact and Programming
CBS FM is known for its commitment to promoting Buganda culture and norms through various programs and events. Entanda ya Buganda is a radio quiz program that aims at promoting Buganda culture and norms. The competition tests participants on a wide range of issues from and within Buganda, including idioms and mastery of Luganda, culture, sports, politics, among others, attracting more than 500 participants. Winners walk home with land titles and cash prizes.
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.” 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.
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Enkuka yo Mwaka is an end-of-year fete organized by CBS FM on New Year's Eve. 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. 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.
Top Radio Station - Kampala 89.2 - FM
Challenges and Controversies
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. Most activities of the station were canceled, including public events and publications.
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.
Although radio stations CBS 88.8 FM and 89.2 FM have reopened, they are still in discussions with the Broadcasting Council to have their licences reinstated. The stations are Central Broadcasting Service (CBS) 88.8 FM and 89.2 FM and are housed in Bulange, which is the seat of the Buganda Kingdom. The handover was witnessed by ICT minister Aggrey Awori, Broadcasting Council (BC) chairman Godfrey Mutabazi and officials from the Buganda government headed by Mr. However the stations have been reopened without the reinstatement of their operating licenses. Kavuma noted, “The meeting with the ICT ministry cleared the reopening, but referred us to the Broadcasting Council over our license, which had been revoked.
In 2004, the Uganda Broadcasting Council fined Radio Simba for airing a talk show featuring gay men, with its chair calling the programme "contrary to public morality."
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Current Status
Despite facing numerous challenges, CBS Buganda FM continues to be a significant media outlet in Uganda. It plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Buganda culture, providing entertainment, and fostering community engagement. The station's resilience and dedication to its mission have solidified its place in the hearts of many Ugandans.
Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II
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