The Boona FM closure in Rukungiri has intensified political tensions just months before Uganda’s 2026 general elections. The radio station, long considered one of the district’s most influential voices, was taken off-air by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) after repeated breaches of broadcasting standards.
According to officials, the station had ignored directives to suspend broadcasts, defied regulatory orders, and only later complied by registering with the Media Council, installing pre-listening equipment, and renewing its license. Boona FM has since petitioned UCC for clearance to resume, citing “severe financial loss and reputational damage.”
The shutdown has fueled speculation of political interference in a district seen as a key battleground for election supremacy. Rukungiri MP and Security Minister Jim Muhwezi denied involvement, stressing that “only UCC has those powers.” Former presidential contender Gen. Henry Tumukunde also urged calm, noting that talks between station management and UCC were ongoing.
Observers argue the timing of the Boona FM closure carries political undertones. Prominent opinion leader Morrison Rwakakamba warned that both ruling party and opposition figures could attempt to exploit the matter for political gain. “One General will be accused and celebrated for closing the radio… Another will fight for reinstatement. This chaos could propel both to political advantage,” he said.
Analysts say Boona FM’s absence risks deepening divisions in western Uganda, where the station has been central to political debate. If the impasse continues, it could become a rallying point for opposition groups while shaping how voters perceive both the ruling NRM and its challengers.
As campaigns for 2026 gain momentum, the fate of Boona FM closure has become more than a regulatory issue—it is now symbolic of broader struggles over media freedom, political influence, and the limits of state power in Uganda.
