ARU STUDENTS DURING A TREE PLANTING EXERCISE IN KAGADI TOWN

From August 20–23, 2025, African Rural University (ARU) joined Kagadi Kibaale Community Radio (KKCR), housed on ARU’s campus, to celebrate 25 years of transformative community-based radio programming.

KKCR’s founding was inspired by the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which emphasized the importance of community participation in environmentally friendly sustainable development. In alignment with this global call, KKCR was launched to serve as a platform for rural voices, enabling local communities to engage in discussions that shape their lives including in environmental stewardship.

Some of the participants at the silver Jubilee of KKCR

The station is unique in that it empowers rural people as hosts, bringing radio programs directly into communities where they can actively participate in discussions that shape their lives.

ARU students actively contribute to KKCR programs, hosting weekly Saturday shows on topics ranging from sustainable agriculture to community development. These programs provide a platform for students to disseminating ARU’s visionary approach to education into the wider community while also learning from the community as part of shared vision and purpose

Reach and Impact

KKCR broadcasts 24/7 in multiple languages, including English, reaching over 5 million listeners across more than 20 districts in Uganda. The station offers a diverse range of programs covering topics such as rural development, indigenous knowledge, conservation, human rights, land rights, health, education, gender equality, and local governance. These programs are designed to inform, educate, and empower community members, fostering active participation in societal development.

(Left) ARU Academic Registrar- Anthony Lwanga at the celebration with other government officials

As part of the jubilee celebrations, ARU students and staff participated in a number of activities, including a Kagadi town cleaning social responsibility exercise, foundation course sessions, the KKCR marathon, radio programming, and a football match to mark the occasion.

The celebrations were graced by ARU Vice Chancellor Dr. Mwalimu Musheshe, government officials, politicians, members of the URDT community, well-wishers, and dignitaries from East Africa who share an interest in KKCR’s work and impact.