Country Radio Marks 3 Years and Launches 16 Futures Campaign to Support Vulnerable Pupils
Rukungiri; Country Radio 87.6 FM Rukungiri has celebrated three years of service and officially launched the 16 Futures Campaign, an initiative aimed at supporting the education of 16 pupils from vulnerable families across Rukungiri District. One pupil was selected from each sub-county, division, and town council.
The celebrations were held on June 25, at the station premises on Rwanyakashesha Hill in Kifunjo Cell, Kyatoko Ward, Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality. During the event, the beneficiaries received school fees and scholastic materials, including exercise books, pens, pencils, and mathematical sets.
The third anniversary celebrations began with a thanksgiving Mass led by Rev. Fr. Leonard Kamukama popularly known as Owahamusitari from Nyakishojwa Catholic Parish in Mitooma District.
In his message, Rev. Fr. Kamukama encouraged Christians to always share what they have with those in need, noting that everything people possess comes from God. He said that as long as God stands with His people, nothing formed against them shall prosper.
He commended Country Radio for its quality services to the community and urged listeners to continue praying for the station. He expressed confidence that in the next five years, many people would be amazed by the station’s growth and achievements.
Cue in… FATHER….RR
Speaking at the function, Country Radio Station Manager Jackie Tumuheirwe thanked listeners, staff members, and the business community for supporting the station’s vision of promoting development in Rukungiri District and beyond. She noted that the station serves audiences from different districts across the region.
Tumuheirwe highlighted the importance of the 16 Futures Campaign, revealing that many children continue to drop out of school due to financial challenges. She explained that some parents enroll their children in private schools but later fail to raise school fees, while others struggle to meet the costs required even in government schools.
She said the campaign is intended to create a culture of supporting needy children and ensuring they remain in school. Tumuheirwe thanked her team for their dedication and called upon well-wishers to join the initiative and help secure a brighter future for vulnerable learners.
Cue in… Tumuheirwe RR
The Chief Guest, Rukungiri Municipality Mayor His Worship Boaz Kansiime Matiita, applauded the management of Country Radio for organizing an event that directly benefits vulnerable pupils.
Matiita said he understands the challenges faced by many families and acknowledged that even a small amount of money can determine whether a child remains in school or drops out. He encouraged media practitioners to promote responsible and constructive reporting and pledged his support to the station socially, economically, and politically.
To support the 16 Future Campaign, Matiita contributed Shs 1.42 million towards the station’s target of Shs 5.6 million.
Cue in… Matiita on support RR
The 16 beneficiaries who will receive full support throughout their primary education include Owomugisha Shanita, a Primary Two pupil at Kitaziguruka Primary School from Southern Division; Abinsinguza Marycent, a Primary Five pupil at Town Council Primary School from Eastern Division; Namuwonge Shamilah, a Primary One pupil at Kahororo Primary School from Western Division; Jamil, a Primary Three pupil at Kiborogota Muslim Primary School from Kebisoni Town Council; Jumba Samuel, a Primary Five pupil at Rwabihurwa Primary School from Kebisoni Sub-county.
Others include Ainobushoborozi Cylia, a Primary Four pupil at Katojo St. Joseph’s Primary School from Buyanja Town Council; Elizabell, a Primary Three pupil at Rubanga Primary School from Buyanja Sub-county; Akanyamba Aisha, a Primary Four pupil at Katonya Primary School from Nyakishenyi Sub-county; Ainemigisha Elizabeth, a Primary Five pupil at Nyarushanje Model Primary School from Nyarushanje Sub-county; Kabahinda Shakillah, a Primary Four pupil at Keihumure Primary School from Buhunga Sub-county.
Others to be supported are Twikirize Jovia, a Primary Seven pupil at Burombe Primary School from Ruhinda Sub-county; Ahimbisibwe Caroline, a Primary Six pupil at Kabwoma Primary School from Rwerere Town Council; Kiconco Meresi, a Primary Four pupil at Nyakitabata Primary School from Bugangari Sub-county; Kyomugisha Faith, a Primary Five pupil at Bwambara Primary School from Bwambara Sub-county; Tusingwire Racheal, a Primary Four pupil at Rugando Primary School from Nyakagyeme Sub-county; and Niwahereza Abias, a Primary Four pupil at Bikurungu Primary School Centenary from Bikurungu Town Council.
Most of the beneficiaries are orphans, while others come from extremely poor or abandoned family backgrounds, making them vulnerable to dropping out of school.
The function attracted a large number of people, including radio listeners, members of the business community, representatives of corporate organisations, political and technical leaders from Rukungiri District and Municipality, as well as invited guests from neighbouring districts.
