Uganda Broadcasting Corporation Radio Programs in Promoting Decentralization in Uganda

ABSTRACT 

The study examined the role of Uganda Broadcasting Corporation Radios (UBCR5) in promoting Decentralisation in Uganda. It established the various programs through which UBCR5 promote decentralisation, analysed their contents and assessed their effectiveness in promoting decentralisation in Uganda. Descriptive research design was applied to a research population which included; managers, presenters/producers of UBCRs, local and other government officials from 14 districts and listeners. 514 respondents were targeted, out which 413 (80%) were studied through questionnaire, content analysis check-list, interview and documentary review guide. The study revealed that; first, there were 81 programs (out of the 789) through which UBCRs promoted decentralization in Uganda. Second, the contents of these 81 UBCRs programs insignificantly contained decentralisation-related issues. Third, UBCRs were ineffective in promoting decentralization in Uganda. The study concluded that; in addition to UBCRs having limited specific programs, those few programs’ contents had less, if any relevancy, thus, making them ineffective in promoting decentralization in Uganda. To avert this, the researcher recommends that the Government of Uganda, UBC and other stakeholders; fast track and review the National Broadcasting Policy 2004; reinforce the existing polices and laws that promote balanced media reporting.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration A

Declaration B ii

Approval Sheet iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgment v

Abstract vi

Acronyms used xiii

List of table xiv

ONE

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the study 2

Statement of the problem 3

Purpose of the study 4

Research objectives 5

Research questions 5

Hypothesis 6

Scope of the study 6

Significance of the study 7

Operational definition of key terms

TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 14

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions from Auth-ors/ Experts 14

Radio as a powerful mass medium 14

The concept of decentralization 14

Theoretical framework 17

Related studies 17

Radio programs and promotion of decentralization 18

Radio program contents and decentralization 21

Effectiveness of Radio programs in promoting decentralization 21

THREE

METHODOLOGY 27

Introduction 27

Research Design 27

Target Population 27

Sample size 27

Sampling Procedure 29

Research instruments 30

Validity and reliability of the instrument 32

Data gathering procedure 33

Data Analysis 34

Ethical Consideration 35

Limitations 35

FOUR

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 37

Introduction 37

Variance in the targeted and actual respondents 37

Demographics 38

Research findings in relation to the research objectives 41

Various programs which UBCRs use to promote decentralization 42

Analysis of the contents of UBC Radios in relation to decentralization 53

The effectiveness of UBCRs programs in promoting decentralization 58

FIVE

Findings 72

Conclusions 77

Recommendations 79

Areas for further research 81

REFERENCES 82

APPENDICES 86

APPENDIX 1A- TRANSMITTAL LETTER 88

APPENDIX lB - TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR THE

RESPONDENTS 89

APPENDIX IIB - CLEARANCE FROM ETHICAL

COMMITTEE 90

APPENDIX III - INFORMED CONSENT 91

APPEN DIX IV A: RESEARCH INSTRUMENT 92

APPENDIX IV B CONTENT ANALYSIS CHECKLIST 114

APPENDIX V- CURRICULUM VITAE 117

APPENDIX VI — UBCRs PROGRAM SCHEDULE 120