About us

The radio’s coverage area has increased in the recent past to include areas of Western Tanzania, parts of Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Within these areas, the radio is remarkably known for its research, creativity, defense and promotion of a culture of peace as well as enhancing individual and collective initiatives in development.

Refugees fleeing the Genocide from Rwanda in 1994

Radio Kwizera can be identified with the pathetic moments of the genocide in Rwanda and the civil wars in Burundi and DRC Congo. These tragic wars raised yet another imbroglio to the heavy burdens which Africa is to bear. The influx of refugees brought in various issues to undertake. According to UNHCR statistics of 1996, more than a million refugees fled to western Tanzania creating more problems on security, peace, food scarcity, environmental degradation, HIV and Aids, and other socio-economic problems. Many of these refugees lost their relatives while others had to locate their next of kin since everybody seemed to have escaped the mayhem hardly with any family reunion.

The influx of refugees shaped concerns among many Aid workers. It is after witnessing such grieved moments that Jesuit Refugee Service established Radio Kwizera to offer hope amongst the people. The work made the radio acquire its name “Kwizera” which means “hope” in Burundi, a Burundian language.