The struggling Jinja based 88.6 Kiira FM has reportedly been closed this afternoon (June 24, 2024) by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
Allegations from the Nizam based fm say that the over 23-year radio station has failed to comply with the URA obligations.
Presenters and the radio administrators have been seen stranded at the flat housing Kiira fm.
In fact, the Pride of the Nile is currently off air, though the morning shows were broadcast.
A reliable source at the radio confirms that officials from the URA were seen in the office of the manager Franco Igambi, but they (source) could not establish the sense of the conversation.
“I saw a man in the office of the manager. Probably, he was from the URA, but I later saw them moving out,” a source said.
The temporary closure comes at a time when Kiira FM has just made changes in its programming to outstand the speed of the radios in town.
Directed by the Lutheran Church Bishop, Charles Bameka, Kiira has purportedly faced financial setback, leading to its relocation from City Hotel building along Nalufenya road to the Main streat opposite the newly established Tata Owen Supermarket.
It is said that its relocation was due to growing rent arrears where the landlord could not admit to house the ‘non-working’ Kiira fm and went on to fire them.
Kiira fm follows the no more 92.5 Victoria FM Ensulo yaife that was also reportedly closed by the Uganda Communications Commissions (UCC) after it failed to meet the financial-legal responsibilities to the government.