Kampala, Uganda: Five years after a bruising internal strike that briefly silenced its signature beats in 2020, Sanyu FM has not just bounced back, it has redefined resilience. The station’s steady climb from the turmoil of 2020 to the top tiers of Uganda’s urban radio landscape tells a story of reinvention, adaptability, and enduring connection with listeners.
The resurgence follows last week’s Industrial Court ruling that affirmed the 2020 dismissal of former Chief Operations Officer Betsy Mugamba as “lawful and justified,” effectively closing a contentious chapter in the broadcaster’s history. Yet, while the recent court decision grabbed headlines, it is Sanyu FM’s remarkable evolution since the pandemic that continues to resonate most with listeners on 88.2 FM.
The salary-cut strike of September 2020 was one of the most dramatic episodes in Uganda’s radio industry. As COVID-19 crippled advertising revenues, owner Dr Sudhir Ruparelia’s decision to implement a 25% pay cut sparked a walkout led by Mugamba. Management responded with mass terminations, citing the need to preserve “essential broadcasting services” during lockdown.
But rather than collapse, Sanyu FM rebuilt from within. By late 2020, the return of radio legend Roger Mugisha, two decades after his first stint, signalled a renewal of confidence. The addition of Yvonne Koreta to the morning lineup further energized the brand.
“We turned crisis into catalyst,” the late station manager Rajiv Ruparelia said back in 2021, describing Sanyu’s pivot to hybrid programming that fused traditional broadcasting with online interactivity.
Digital Surge and Urban Dominance
Today, Sanyu’s digital momentum matches its on-air vibrancy. According to GeoPoll, the station commands between 10–12% of urban English listenership in Kampala, a recovery from pandemic-era dips.
Its online presence, however, tells a bigger story: followers on X (formerly Twitter) have grown by 40% since 2021, while TikTok clips from shows like Sanyu Drive and The Breakfast Club attract tens of thousands of views weekly.
Listeners describe Sanyu as “effortlessly conquering Kampala’s airwaves,” thanks to its seamless blend of timeless hits, vibrant talk segments, and digital integration.
Curating Kampala’s Soundtrack
Since its inception in 1993 as Uganda’s first private FM station, Sanyu has been more than just a radio brand; it has served as a cultural curator. Its playlists fuse R&B, hip-hop, reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeat into a sonic tapestry that mirrors Kampala’s dynamic multicultural identity.
From Burna Boy to Azawi, Sanyu’s DJs, often dubbed “vibe architects”, mix global hits with emerging Ugandan sounds, creating a rhythm that captures everything from matatu rides to rooftop soirées.
Interactive shows like Sanyu Breakfast and Lunch Date go beyond entertainment, offering open mics for the city’s dreamers and hustlers to air their stories. These exchanges, often viral on social media, cement Sanyu’s reputation for listener intimacy and authenticity.
Beyond the Mic: Events and Impact
Sanyu FM’s strength now extends well beyond the studio. The station’s experiential strategy has transformed it into a platform for civic engagement and community development.
In 2025, Sanyu partnered with UNDP Uganda to host the Elgon Half Marathon, drawing 5,000 runners in support of environmental conservation and gender equity. Earlier in the year, it sponsored the 14th Insurance Agents Awards, promoting financial inclusion and professionalism.
Other high-impact engagements included the Bakers’ Mentorship Conference at UMA Showgrounds and collaborations with the Fintech Africa Conference 2024, which reaffirmed Sanyu’s role as a connector in Uganda’s economic dialogue.
“These conversations aren’t just filler; they’re fuel for listeners chasing their own breakthroughs,” says Lunch Date host Kori, one of several young voices redefining Sanyu’s identity.
Internally, Sanyu’s culture of excellence has also flourished. In December 2024, producer Ssenyonjo Umaru was named Employee of the Year, a reflection of the team’s renewed energy.
Even amid industry challenges, including a 20% drop in advertising revenues since 2020, Sanyu has remained stable. Its recent legal victory, handed down by Justice Anthony Wabwire Musana, clears the path for fresh innovation, including the Milege Acoustic Project at Makerere University aimed at nurturing emerging musical talent.
As Sanyu marks 32 years on air in 2025, its story is one of deliberate reinvention. From the ashes of a strike to the heights of digital engagement, the station stands as proof that resilience in media isn’t about survival, it’s about reinvention.
“In an era of algorithms, human connection remains the ultimate frequency,” a senior Sanyu producer remarked.
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