Radio Terra FM (95.0 and 97.0 MHZ)

Radio Terra FM is a nonprofit, independent community radio station broadcasting on 95.0 FM and 97.0 FM, serving as a unifying voice for communities on both sides of Lake Albert. Based in Kolokoto village at Mahagi Port on the shores of Lake Albert (at the Uganda–DRC border), it also operates a 97.0 FM repeater in Djupio Widaa on the Blue Mountain slopes toward the Lendu Plateau in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since it began broadcasting in 2019, Terra FM has connected diverse cross-border audiences, providing a vital platform for information exchange and cultural dialogue in an otherwise media-deprived region. The station is supported by Environmental Defenders(ED) – a regional conservation and human rights organization—and upholds the values of protecting biodiversity and Indigenous people’s rights in the Albertine Rift and Congo Basin.

Terra FM’s mission is to serve as a grassroots platform for environmental education, Indigenous cultural preservation, food sovereignty, and the defense of human and environmental rights across the Albertine Rift and Congo Basin. Its programming and community engagement aim to unfold the complexities of the Albertine Rift and Congo Basin region—informing the public on issues ranging from health and food security to land rights and conflict. Guided by eco-feminist principles and a commitment to peacebuilding, the station amplifies marginalized voices and champions social justice. In particular, Terra FM spotlights “Earth Defenders”—local environmental and human rights defenders such as small-scale farmers, fisherfolk, Indigenous leaders, and activists—whose grassroots efforts protect land, water, and culture. By giving these community members a microphone, the station elevates peaceful advocacy in a region that has faced armed conflict and environmental pressure. This inclusive approach aligns with Terra FM's fundamental conviction that sustainable development and peace emerge when the most impacted individuals have the opportunity to voice their concerns and receive recognition.

The station’s programming is diverse and impact-driven, focusing on critical areas like public health, environmental conservation, women’s and girls’ rights, land and Indigenous rights, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment. Terra FM offers a rich mix of educational and interactive content tailored to local needs. Daily broadcasts include civic education spots on governance and citizen rights, special news bulletins covering environmental and social issues, and in-depth features on topics such as climate change and biodiversity conservation. One day listeners might hear practical advice on wildfire prevention and sustainable farming, while another day brings discussions on women’s land rights or the importance of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent for Indigenous communities. The station regularly hosts debates and roundtable discussions that put community voices at the center—for example, inviting farmers and fisherfolk to discuss the impacts of oil exploration on their livelihoods and the environment. Such programs not only inform but also encourage dialogue, helping residents advocate against illegal land grabbing and forced evictions and demand accountability for environmental protection. Complementing its news and talk shows, Terra FM also airs practical segments on family planning, gospel and religious teaching, maternal and child health, and disease prevention, often featuring medical professionals and local healers to educate families on healthcare and safety. To engage its younger audience, the station produces youth-focused talk shows and interactive programs that address the needs and interests of teenagers and young adults—creating a space where the region’s large youth population can discuss issues like education, employment, and climate action and share their music and culture.

Beyond its on-air content, Radio Terra FM plays a pivotal role in cross-border community dialogue and participatory journalism. By working with local correspondents and volunteers from both Uganda and DRC, the station encourages people to tell their own stories and report on issues that mainstream media often overlook. This participatory approach has turned Terra FM into a hub for grassroots advocacy and problem-solving. It facilitates conversations between different ethnic and national communities, bridging divides with shared concerns about the environment, public health, and human rights. The station has become a trusted forum where listeners can call in or participate in discussions, fostering mutual understanding and collective action. In a region that has experienced conflict and displacement, Terra FM’s commitment to nonviolent communication and inclusive dialogue contributes to peacebuilding efforts on a daily basis. The station also empowers women and youth in media production—training young reporters and female journalists to take on leadership roles in storytelling and community outreach. This dedication to capacity-building ensures that the voices on air reflect the diversity of the communities served, further strengthening Terra FM’s role as a community anchor.

The impact and reach of Radio Terra FM are remarkable. Broadcasting 24/7 across its two FM frequencies and via online streaming, Terra FM reaches an audience of over twenty million people annually. Its signal carries across the Albertine Rift and Congo Basin region and beyond, connecting remote rural villages, towns, and even listeners in neighboring countries. Through multilingual programming (in languages such as Alur, Swahili, Lingala, French, and English), plus several other indigenous languages spoken in the region ,the station ensures accessibility to various ethnic groups and cross-border populations. Listeners tuning in via FM or through internet platforms find a professional, informative, and inspiring broadcast that resonates with local realities while appealing to international sensibilities. Radio Terra FM has earned a reputation as a reliable source of news, education, and civic empowerment – a stronghold against disinformation and a catalyst for positive change. By amplifying the stories of Earth Defenders and everyday citizens, and championing sustainable development and human rights, Terra FM stands as a beacon of hope in the region. It is more than just a radio station; it is a community lifeline and a voice for the voiceless, committed to truth, cultural pride, and the collective well-being of the Albertine Rift’s and Congo Basin people and environment.