Radio West marks 16th anniversary in style

By Abdulkarim Ssengendo and Fred Turyakira

FANS of Radio West of all ages thronged Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara Municipality to witness its 16th anniversary celebrations.

According to Geoffrey Makyeme, the Rwizi Region Deputy Police Commander, they estimated the event was attended by about 60,000 people. Makyeme said the function went on peacefully and no major crime was registered.

However, he said only 25 people were arrested for committing minor offenses like pick-pocketing and entering through illegal routes.

“The event was peaceful because we tightened security and Vision Group organized it well. We didn’t register any major crime only those small cases of pick-pocketing,” Makyeme told New Vision.

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Rasta Charz performing during the event.

Revelers were treated by a series of sterling performances by local artists. Among the artists who performed up to 2AM were Jose Chameleon, Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Kalifa Aganaga, Gravity Omutujju, Sophie Nantongo, Mary Bata, Azizi Azion, Mun-G, City Rock Entertainment. 

Others with likes of Pen Patra, Sister Charity, Rasta Charz, Ray-G, Kachaina Valentine were from western region.

Cultural entertainment, including traditional dance, solo and solk songs, first stimulated the crowd. 

Ngoma Cultural group from Ntungamo District won the cultural competition, beating other two groups; Nyakitunda Cultural Group from Isingiro District and Bwera Cultural Group from Bushenyi district.

One of the victorius dance groups celebrates winning a cash prize.

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Ngoma Cultural Group was rewarded with sh800000. Runners-up Nyakitunda Cultural Group and Bwera bagged sh500000 and sh300000 respectively. 

Alex Byarugaba from Kikagate sub county-Isingiro district won a new Premio car which was the grand prize of the event. Byarugaba bought a ticket of sh2000 to win the car.

“I can’t tell how happy I am, I was reluctant to buy a ticket but my father Byarugaba and my friends from Isingiro pushed me to buy it, finally am the winner. I want to thank Radio West for organizing such a wonderful event and for remembering their fans by giving us such a big prize,” Byarugaba said.

Emmanuel Rwebishengye, a security guard at Mbarara Vocational College and a resident of Kamwenge district also won new motorcycle. Other prizes including bicycles were given out by Radio West. 

“God is great to see that I now own a motorcycle,” Rwebishengye said.

Sponsors who included, Movit, BIDICO, Coca-Cola, MTN and GoTV also gave out several other prizes.

Gervase Ndyanabo, the Vision Group company secretary, thanked fans of Radio West for turning up in big numbers. He assured them that company is committed to continue giving them quality service.

Radio West started in 1999 and went on air on 10 April. It was bought by Vision Group three years ago.