The Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations and Commander Land Forces of the UPDF Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has urged the people of Madi-Okollo to embrace the media as a transformative tool.
Gen Kainerugaba was speaking at the commissioning of Voice of Madi in the West Nile district - Madi-Okollo on Saturday.
Gen Kainerugaba who was accompanied by his wife Charlotte emphasized the importance of the media if used well although he warned that it can be abused like it was in 1994 in Rwanda ahead of the deadly genocide.
"You know what happened in Rwanda where radio was used to mobilised people to kill their neighbors, Gen Kainerugaba said urging the people to use Voice of Madi to mobilise people to transform society for the better.
Gen Kainerugaba who was the Guest of Honour congratulated the District Woman MP Hon Joanne Okia whose idea it was to start the radio, saying that the radio will enlighten the people in the region and beyond.
He also encouraged the people to use the media to promote progressive government programs such as the parish development model which is aimed at fighting poverty.
He explained that such an initiative will get more people into the money economy, thereby contributing to the poverty alleviation. He said this is an onslaught - more or less a military attack on subsistence farming.
"It is my prayer therefore that a radio like Voice of Madi that we are launching will help with the parish development model and ensure that more people of Madi Okolo join commercial farming," Gen Kainerugaba noted.
The General also encouraged the people to use the radio to sensitive the people against barbaric acts such as domestic violence against women which is prevalent in the West Nile district.
He urged men to desist from beating women, noting that they set a bad example for their children.
"I have been with my wife Charlotte for twenty three years now but I have never touched her. So, when you get angry, go to another room and cool off but don't beat a woman," Gen Kainerugaba guided fellow men.
Meanwhile, Gen Kainerugaba delivered greetings from the president and announced a contribution of Shs30M to Inde Technical institute in Madi-Kollo.
The General thanked the people of Madi-Okollo for supporting the president and the UPDF in peace keeping efforts, citing the recent defeat of rebels that attempted to attack Ugandans through Zombo district which is part of West Nile.
He also appreciated them for their hospitality on account of hosting over 50,000 refugees. Relatedly, Gen Kainerugaba said that Uganda used to export refugees to various neighboring countries but noted that it is now Uganda that is offering safety to those running away from war and conflict.
The commissioning of Voice of Madi was attended by area Members of Parliament, regional leaders, the clergy, among others.
