In 2014 Twaweza worked with Trac FM to support radio stations to include more interactive content in their programs.
Trac FM have created a polling system that allows thousands of radio listeners to talk back and make their voices count. Radio hosts ask listeners to send their 'vote' for a certain issue by free SMS and then the results are discussed on radio.
Highlights from the polls:
First nationwide and organised Trac FM campaign ‘Set the Agenda’ takes off in the runup to the 2016 elections
Successful Brainstorm Workshop in Kampala with radio stations and local partners present to discuss progress and content for radio polls
Over 1.3 million SMS sent and received within our programs
Over 1000 successful radio polls conducted on 18 different radio stations throughout Uganda with 155,000 potent
ial respondents
Partnerships with a wide range of local partners using poll results to inform water providers on implementation of water schemes, push UMEME for less outages, research on the people’s need for Vitamin A crops among various other campaigns
Weekly infographics on poll results that boost Trac FM’s exposure on social media with the Trac FM Facebook page having over 5000 followers and around 1400 followers on Twitter @TracFM. This network takes infographics (containing thousands of Ugandan voices) to affiliated NGOs, dutybearers and other development practitioners across the world.
A positive review of the Trac FM program in the recently published media study by Deutsche Welle Akademie: Advancing Freedom of Expression.