Dembe FM Set to Return to Airwaves Following Staff Layoffs and Shutdown
Dembe FM, the popular Luganda-speaking radio station, is set to resume operations on February 13, after a year of uncertainty that saw several staff layoffs and a shift in its programming focus.
Gabriel Buule, an employee of Monitor Publications Limited—Dembe FM’s parent company—shared the exciting news on X, praising Sue Nsibirwa, the Managing Director of Monitor, for her leadership in reviving the station. “This is what I mean when I say that @SueNsibirwa is a special team leader. She has finally resurrected @DembeFm ❤️🫡. @BNantale Naawe oli wakitalo nga bwolowooza,” Buule posted.
In response, Nsibirwa expressed gratitude to the team that contributed to the station’s revival: “Humbled! I’m honoured to work with a special team that does the cooking!”
A Challenging Year for Dembe FM
Dembe FM faced significant challenges in 2023, which included laying off several well-known personalities such as Isaac Daniel Katende (Kasuku), Jenkins Mukasa, Eddie Sendi, and Robina Mbabazi (Bina Babie). The station ceased its regular programming during this period, opting to play music only as it reassessed its business viability.
“We regret to inform our esteemed listeners, clients, and stakeholders that… the station, for the foreseeable future, will have no scheduled programming as the board and management reassess its continued viability as a business concern,” Dembe FM announced at the time. The station had been a staple of Uganda’s radio landscape for 21 years before halting operations.
A Rich History and Ownership Changes
Dembe FM first hit the airwaves in May 2002, originally owned by tycoon Kharim Hirji through Dembe Enterprises. The station later changed ownership, passing through the hands of businessman Patrick Bitature and eventually the Nation Media Group. Under Nation Media Group, Dembe FM rebranded itself as a leading station for Luganda-speaking audiences, particularly targeting female listeners.
However, financial struggles and tax-related issues have plagued the station, which has also faced tensions with the government. Dembe FM has been shut down twice in the past, including a closure in 2018 after allegations of promoting witchcraft.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges it has faced, Dembe FM’s return is a hopeful sign for both the station’s loyal listeners and the local radio industry. With a renewed leadership team, the station is preparing for a fresh start, signaling a new chapter in its history.
Listeners will be eagerly anticipating the return of scheduled programming, and it’s clear that Dembe FM’s comeback is more than just a revival of a radio station—it’s a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
