Time FM has emerged as the leading radio station in the Bugisu Sub Region, according to the 2026 Uganda National Media Survey (UNMS), closely followed by Open Gate FM.
The finding places Time FM at the top of Bugisu’s radio landscape in a survey that examined media consumption patterns across Uganda, covering radio, television, print, online platforms and media personalities.
The survey, conducted by Market Intelligence Group across all 146 districts, ranked the leading radio stations in 15 sub-regions based on audience consumption.
Time FM emerged number one in Bugisu, while other sub-regions recorded different stations at the top, including Capital Radio in Greater Kampala’s English-speaking audience, CBS Emanduso in Greater Kampala’s Luganda audience, Rupiny FM in Acholi, Radio West in Ankole, CBS 88.8 in Buganda, Pallisa FM in Bukedi and Liberty FM in Bunyoro.
Other leading stations were Busoga One in Busoga, Ateker FM in Karamoja, Voice of Kigezi in Kigezi, Unity FM in Lango, Voice of Bundibugyo in Rwenzori, Etop FM in Teso and Arua One in West Nile.
Principal Investigator of the survey and Managing Director of Market Intelligence Group, Dr Joel Isabirye, said the strong performance of regional stations demonstrates the importance of broadcasting in local languages and reflecting the cultural identities of different communities.
“Almost all linguistic formations have at least one radio station catering for their language and culture. This is good progress,” Dr Isabirye said.
He attributed the development partly to Uganda’s liberalised broadcasting environment, saying the presence of radio stations tailored to different linguistic and cultural communities shows that the Uganda Communications Commission has made progress in supporting cultural diversity.
The Bugisu finding gives Time FM a significant position in a region where radio remains an important source of news, information, entertainment and community engagement.
The UNMS was designed to provide media institutions, policymakers, advertisers and researchers with a clearer picture of how Ugandans consume media across different demographic and geographical groups.
Dr Isabirye said the survey provides media houses with direct feedback from their audiences, enabling them to identify areas requiring improvement while strengthening programmes that continue to attract listeners.
For advertisers, the sub-regional rankings offer an opportunity to identify the most effective platforms for reaching specific audiences.
“If you are an advertiser of a brand and you want to reach audiences in Bugisu sub-region, you are able to know which are the leading stations,” Dr Isabirye said.
He added that the findings can also help policymakers assess whether the objectives of media liberalisation are being achieved and identify areas that remain underserved.
The survey also highlighted strong performances by national television brands, with NBS Live at 9 ranked the most-watched English news bulletin, Uncut the most-watched gossip and entertainment programme, and After 5 the best entertainment show.
Barometer was ranked the best Luganda political programme, while Frontline emerged as the leading English political programme.
However, at the sub-regional radio level, Time FM’s number-one ranking in Bugisu stands out as one of the key findings of the 2026 Uganda National Media Survey, underscoring the station’s reach and influence among audiences in the region.