Vision Group's Etop Radio based in Teso region has held a thanksgiving service at its premises in Soroti city. 

The celebrations follow the radio emerging as the top radio in eastern Uganda.

The National Audience Measurement Research 2023 by Ipsos findings place Etop Radio at the top of all the radio stations in eastern Uganda in terms of listenership.

The radio has emerged top since its inception 15 years ago. However, its management has never taken it for granted thus holding a thanksgiving service on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, evening led by the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Bishop in charge of the central pastorate, Mathew Omagor.

The Pentecostal Assemblies of God Bishop in charge of the central pastorate, Mathew Omagor preaching Etop Radio staff.

Even the heavy downpour Wednesday evening did not dampen the mood at Etop with the service starting with praise and worship led by Solomon Eramu the sports journalist and Hesed Amuge the traffic controller.

Melodious voices pierced through the walls of the radio station building to the neighbourhood as journalists and presenters danced for the Lord to Bishop Omagor's amazement.

Before the mini party kicked off, Felix Osujo the longest service journalist having joined in 1997 as a writer with Etop newspaper, took to the floor together with news editor Elizabeth Akiror to dance to Teso hit Ijai isio Oboro.

Bishop Omagor said: “This celebration is not because we have fought or we have rated ourselves but somebody rated you and said you're worth your recognition”.

Etop Radio staff members (From left); Alfred Atwau, Emmy Alomu, Liz Akiror, Solomon Erau and Felix Osujo dancing to the tunes of local Ateso music.

He urged the radio management not to relax but to continue to aim higher in getting educational programs that bring glory to God.

"Dream bigger, aim higher and be more creative because this industry demands a lot of creativity,” Omagor said.

He hailed the management for organising a thanksgiving service explaining that the successes of the radio come from God and it was befitting of the station to thank God.

“Your certificates alone without your good voice will not take you very far. So, it is prudent to thank the Almighty who gave you a good voice and talent besides your academic knowledge for serving his people,” the man of God remarked.

Juventin Opolot, an ardent listener from Aukot sub-county, lauded the radio for the hourly news.

“I started feeling value for the money I use to buy batteries the time Etop Radio went on air, I get news every hour that never used to happen in Teso, and they get credible news, not rumour,” a happy Opolot said.

Indeed, Etop radio pioneered the hourly news bulletins as well as having a roundup of news of the day: Edula every weekday at 8:00pm.

Joseph Akiiso, the station manager, attributed the radio's success to God explaining that it is the only Etop Radio that has dedicated more time to preaching than any other radio station in the region.

“We have offered free airtime to different churches to preach on radio from Monday to Sunday for one hour. Their blessings to us are what have made us shine above others. I pledge to continue honouring God and paying attention to the demand of the people we serve,” Akiiso said.