Community Radio Programming and the Advancement of Environmental Justice: Evidence from Ateker FM and Etoil FM in Karamoja, Uganda

This study examined the effectiveness of community radio programming in advancing environmental justice in the Karamoja Region of Uganda, focusing on Ateker FM and Etoil FM. Guided by Framing Theory, Critical Media Theory, and Environmental Communication Theory, the study adopted a qualitative case study design involving 36 participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, content analysis, and social media ethnography and analysed thematically. Findings revealed that radio programming contributed to environmental justice by increasing environmental awareness, encouraging behavioural change, strengthening community mobilisation and advocacy, amplifying marginalised voices, and integrating indigenous environmental knowledge. Programmes particularly encouraged practices such as tree planting, waste segregation, water conservation, and sustainable land management. However, their effectiveness was constrained by limited resources, weak signal coverage, poverty, and broader structural environmental challenges. The study concludes that community radio provides an important platform for environmental learning, community empowerment, and collective environmental action in Karamoja. Keywords: Community Radio; Environmental Justice; Environmental Communication; Environmental Awareness; Community Empowerment