By Enengo Staff Writer
RUKUNGIRI – The sudden closure of Boona FM, a popular radio station in Rukungiri District, has sparked controversy, finger-pointing, and heated debate among residents. At the centre of it all is Security Minister and Rujumbura County Member of Parliament, Retired Major-General Jim Muhwezi, who has been forced to defend himself against accusations linking him to the shutdown.
On his official X account, the retired general came out strongly to deny any involvement. “I am NOT the person who closed the radio. I do not have the authority to do so; it is UCC that holds that power,” Muhwezi wrote. He added that if the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) indeed closed Boona FM, then the commission should explain its reasons to the public.
Politics Blamed as UCC Suspends Rukungiri’s Boona FM
Muhwezi, who was a top fighter in the original National Resistance Army, accused his political opponents of twisting the situation. “As usual, obscurantists are trying to politicize this matter. My name has come up in discussions, inaccurately implying that I am responsible for the closure. Radios, including mine, must follow the law and comply with regulations,” he said.
He urged the people of Rukungiri to stay calm as the matter is handled by the relevant authorities. “If there are concerns regarding the regulator’s actions, the radio has the right to seek redress through the courts,” Muhwezi said.
But while the minister distances himself, voices from Boona FM paint a different picture. Station manager and show host Kakyene Namanya told Enengo News reporters that the station’s troubles began during the last election period. According to him, the closure can be traced back to a controversial broadcast.
“Gen. Jim faked an electricity launch two weeks to the NRM elections. As a media house we analysed the launch with well-researched information,” Kakyene said. He added that the very next day he was suspended by UCC, threatened with arrest, and later warned that the station could be closed. “On voting day, the military threatened us, and finally, it has been closed,” he revealed.
The battle of words has left many people caught in the middle. To some, the closure of Boona FM is a blow to press freedom, while others believe the station’s problems with the regulator are of its own making.
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Really good to hear Gen Muhwezi denies role in closure of Boona FM; transparency helps, i hope every one also check the facts and not jumpin to conclusions.
great press release, very impactfull, boo hoo, Boona FM closed and he denies, wow such drama.
This denials sounds like a run around, if he denyed the role why not show proof, the people not convinced.
oh so now every bold claim gets a denial; funny how the truth hides behind a denial, next we will meta-say ‘the dog did it’.
so Gen Muhwezi denies role, sure, and the sun still shines; we all trust the denial, very convinient.
I appreciate the push for accountability, even if he denies; at least the news raises questions that must be solve.
this is like a soap opera, Muhwezi denies role while Boona fm stops playing; maybe next episode he will deny wifi too.
lol boona fm going off air lol, i didn’t even know who Muhwezi was before this post.
From the post, the headline says Gen Muhwezi Denies Role in Closure of Boona FM; if true, the closure maybe due to financials not him; need official statements.
i thinks this is not enough, there many more sides to the story; denial can’t erase past mismanagement.
People say he denies role yet the closure last month; we need indipendent inquiry; if he not responsible, why closed? show evidence.
The post line is clear ‘Gen Muhwezi Denies Role in Closure of Boona FM’ this could mean nuthin or alot; we need more source; consider background of financing, management.
people just taking denial as truth; prove it; if the closure was due to policy mistakes then he should step foward with details.