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Carol Namara addressing press conference
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Bushenyi - The management of BFM Radio in Bushenyi is facing growing public scrutiny after Carol Namara, a long-serving presenter of the station's popular Saturday program Entwaza Y’eka, was dismissed just a week after declaring her intention to contest for the Woman Member of Parliament seat for Bushenyi District in the 2026 general elections. Adding to the controversy, Namara was reportedly denied access to the station on Wednesday despite paying UGX 1 million for airtime to address her supporters, sparking allegations of politically motivated censorship and interference.
Carol Namara addressing press conference
During a press briefing at Premier Hotel in Bushenyi town, Namara accused incumbent MP Annet Katusiime Mugisha and her husband, Dr. Silver Mugisha—who are majority shareholders in BFM Radio—of orchestrating her removal and silencing her political voice.
“I have been silenced by those who fear my political ambitions,” Namara said. “Not only was I dismissed from hosting without any official communication, but I was also denied airtime after paying for it. This is political intimidation that undermines democracy and fair competition.”
Namara further alleged that the station is being used as a political tool to suppress emerging candidates, particularly women entering the race.
BFM management responds
In response to the accusations, Jonas Tumwine, the Managing Director of BFM Radio, confirmed that Namara had been stopped from hosting Entwaza Y’eka, but defended the move as an internal policy decision, not political interference. “Carol Namara was not a full-time employee or salaried presenter. She was a contributor, paid only for the Saturdays she appeared on air,” Tumwine said.
He explained that BFM Radio’s editorial policy requires any contributor or presenter intending to run for political office to step down at least two months before nomination day, to maintain neutrality and fairness.
“When Carol declared her candidature for MP—just like others before her—she was expected to step aside. There was no witch-hunt, as has been claimed on social media. We’re applying the same rule to everyone,” he said.
BFM radio MD Jonas Tumwine
Tumwine acknowledged that Namara was denied airtime but insisted it was to protect the station’s impartiality.
“It’s true we denied her access to the program until further notice. We want to protect BFM Radio from being misused for political campaigns that could disadvantage other candidates. Our policy is clear and is meant to shield the station from political mudslinging.”
He also dismissed claims of interference by Dr. Silver Mugisha.
“Dr. Mugisha is not involved in management. He is a shareholder who only participates in board meetings and receives dividends. He was not even aware of the decision to stop Carol,” Tumwine stated.
He added that management will meet next week to deliberate on Namara’s situation and determine the next steps.
Growing public debate
BFM confirmed that Dr. Silver Mugisha, the husband of Bushenyi Woman MP Annet Katusiime Mugisha, became a shareholder in 2021. However, questions about political influence on the station’s programming and staffing remain, especially in light of Namara’s allegations. The saga has ignited public debate, with Bushenyi residents, social media users, and political observers raising concerns about the erosion of media fairness and freedom of expression ahead of the 2026 elections.
Torch Media Africa
Namara, a vocal figure on air and now an aspiring legislator, vowed not to be silenced.
“I will not back down. The people of Bushenyi deserve to hear from all candidates without fear or favor. No one should use media ownership to block others from engaging with the public,” she said.
