The Governor of Western Equatoria State, Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, has urged citizens to rely on radio as a key source of credible information ahead of the 2026 general elections, as UNESCO advances the installation of Yambio FM Radio Station in the state capital.
He said radio remains one of the most powerful tools for reaching communities, especially in rural areas, and called on citizens to use it for voter education, peace promotion, and informed participation in the electoral process.
“I am very pleased and excited to see this project coming to fruition and nearing completion,” he stated. “This initiative is highly commendable and will greatly improve access to information for our people. We fully recognize this as our radio station, and we are committed to supporting it politically and institutionally.”
The governor added that Yambio FM will play a critical role in promoting peaceful elections, civic awareness, and informed decision-making ahead of the December 2026 polls, noting that radio remains a unifying platform for communities.
He also lauded UNESCO for supporting media development in the state, saying the project will strengthen transparency, public engagement, and social cohesion.
“This station is being upgraded with modern technology, including solar power, computers, and improved studio facilities, and it will serve the entire community,” Rimbasa said.
Meanwhile, UNESCO says renovation and installation works at Yambio FM are progressing well, with about 80 percent of the building works completed.
Speaking during a monitoring visit in Yambio, Paul Night of UNESCO’s Communication and Information Sector in Juba, said the project is moving steadily towards completion despite global supply chain challenges affecting equipment delivery.
“At this stage, approximately 80 percent of the building renovation has been completed, with only final touches remaining,” he said. “We are optimistic that by the end of this week, the studio refurbishment will be substantially completed, allowing installation to begin.”
Night said key equipment, including solar systems, ICT equipment, studio furniture, and broadcasting tools, will be delivered in phases over the next few months, and the station is expected to become fully operational within about three months after completion.
He also noted that capacity-building activities will continue to strengthen staff skills for sustainable and professional operations. As part of preparations for full operation, 30 journalists from Yambio FM underwent a two-day professional training in November 2025 under UNESCO’s media development program.
Isaac Fora, the Director at the State Ministry of Information and Communication, and Yambio FM Station Manager Emmanuel Samuel welcomed the project, describing it as a major boost to public communication in Western Equatoria.
According to UNESCO, the Yambio FM project is part of a broader effort to strengthen public media across South Sudan, ensuring communities—especially in remote areas—have access to reliable and timely information. The initiative is expected to support civic participation, peacebuilding, and informed decision-making ahead of the December 2026 elections.
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