Information as a Lifeline

When Uganda entered its first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, most rural communities lost their primary sources of information overnight. Health facilities reduced services, schools closed, community meetings were banned, and many families had no internet access. For millions of people in eastern Uganda, Gloford's community radio station became the only reliable source of public health information.

"We went from a regular programming schedule to an emergency information service in 48 hours," recalls Agnes Acen, Head of Communications. "We partnered with the Ministry of Health to broadcast prevention guidelines, debunk misinformation, and provide daily updates in six local languages. For many listeners, our broadcasts were the only way they learned about hand-washing protocols, mask guidance, and vaccination schedules."

The station also launched a call-in helpline where listeners could ask health questions and receive guidance from trained community health workers. During the first three months of lockdown, the helpline received over 4,000 calls — many from people who had no other way to access health advice.

"A woman called to say her husband was very sick with fever and she did not know if it was COVID or malaria," Agnes recalls. "Our health worker guided her through a symptom assessment and helped arrange transport to the nearest health facility. It turned out to be severe malaria. If she had waited, it could have been fatal."

Lasting Impact

A post-pandemic survey found that 82% of regular listeners could correctly identify at least three COVID-19 prevention measures, compared to 54% among non-listeners. The experience reinforced the critical role of community radio as a public health tool and led to permanent health advisory segments in our regular programming schedule.

Today, the station reaches over 2 million listeners weekly and maintains a 78% trust rating — among the highest for any community media outlet in East Africa.