KIGALI - The Media High Council (MHC), yesterday, granted licences to three new radio stations. The new radios - Huguka , Isangano and Ishingiro – will go on air before the end of the year.

Huguka radio station will be heard on 105.9 FM and 107.4 FM and is based in Muhanga District, Isangano is on 89.6 FM and is based in Karongi District while Ishingiro will be available on 107.5 FM and is located in Gicumbi District.

Huguka is owned by Association Huguka ASBL a local NGO based in Muhanga, Isangano is run by Isangano Association and Ishingiro is owned by ADEB Association.

The Coordinator of Huguka Association, Eugene Ndekezi, said their radio will specialise in promoting agriculture and economic development in Muhanga and other neighbouring areas.

"We setup the radio station to advocate for better farming methods through advertising better agricultural practices and promoting community development in our area,” he added.

Protais Nyamurinda the president of Isangano community radio ,said they will specialise in promoting good governance and socio-economic development of the community.

"Our radio will give the people an opportunity to discuss several issues that affect them,” he explained.

Marie Claire Uzamukunda, the vice president of ADEB and Ishingiro radio station, emphasised that their programmes will be community-based.

"It will help the local community participate in development programmes of their community through exchanging information,” she said.

Patrice Mulama the Executive Secretary of the MHC, stressed that, with the new radio stations on air, there are now 27 licensed radio stations in the country.

"With all active media outlets now conforming to licensing requirements, the level of professionalism in the media is boosted and thus quality of content is set to considerably improve,” he stated.

Mulama advised the owners of the newly introduced radio stations to abide by the laws and regulations of the MHC in order to promote development and professionalism in the media industry.

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