Speaking out in an interview that went viral a few weeks ago, Dembe FM longtime presenter DJ Jacob Omutuuze confessed how he chewed so many female musicians in the radio studios, something is now said to have prompted the bosses to close the radio for a major reshuffle.
Dembe FM, the popular Ugandan radio station located at 8th Street, Industrial Area, Namuwongo, Kampala, and owned by Dr. Patrick Bitature, is set to go off the air temporarily, starting on December 31, 2023. The move comes following a seismic interview featuring DJ Jacob Omutuuze, prompting a wave of changes that will reshape the station's landscape.
DJ Jacob Omutuuze's recent revelations during an interview with a local YouTuber have sent shockwaves through Dembe FM, a station that has been a staple in Ugandan radio for over 15 years. Omutuuze's candid admission about his encounters with female musicians while in the Dembe FM studios has not only sparked controversy but has also triggered a swift and unexpected response from station management.
Our sources reveal that the station's decision to go off the air is part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at addressing modern audience demands. Despite being affiliated with Nation Media Group (NMG), the parent company of Daily Monitor newspaper and Kfm 93.3 radio, Dembe FM has struggled to keep pace with evolving listener preferences.
The specific reasons behind the closure are yet to be officially disclosed, but preliminary investigations suggest that the station faced challenges adapting to contemporary audience expectations. This move mirrors a trend observed over the past few years and signals the need for a strategic realignment to stay competitive in the dynamic media landscape.
All on-air presenters are set to be laid off, and the station plans to return in January with a revamped lineup, incorporating new shows and presenters. There are rumors circulating that only the Talk & Talk Show team will retain their spots, while others will be exploring opportunities elsewhere.
Initial speculations hinted at a potential sale of the station due to financial struggles, but Nation Media Group has chosen a restructuring path to breathe new life into Dembe FM. Upon its return, the station aims to adopt a streamlined approach, featuring fewer on-air presenters who will work longer hours.
The ripple effects of this restructuring will also extend to other NMG media houses, including NTV & Spark TV, leading to layoffs for several on-air and less valuable off-air employees. This comprehensive shake-up aims to position Dembe FM for a successful comeback in January with an updated and dynamic programming schedule.
Notable presenters such as Kasuku (Talk n Talk show), Bina Baibe (Mubeezi show), Sam Gombya, Ssenga Nantume, Prossy Patra with Ekilove love show, Ruth Kalibala, and Shafiq will be part of the revamped lineup, promising a fresh and entertaining listening experience for Dembe FM's loyal audience.
ALSO READ: DJ Jacob Omutuuze Reveals Shocking List of Top Female Musicians He Chewed Working at Dembe FM
