Flashback Friday: The Legendary Capital FM Billboard That Stopped Kampala in Its Tracks
That provocative yet tasteful photo of the “Get Out of Bed” crew was more than clever marketing; it was a spark of nostalgia, a conversation-starter, and for many, a symbol of Capital FM’s special place in Uganda’s media landscape. Kampala hadn’t seen anything quite like it—and probably never will again.
Uganda Today: Flashback Friday: The Legendary Capital FM Billboard That Stopped Kampala in Its Tracks
Published on www.ugandatoday.co.ug | Friday, 13th June 2025
By Uganda Today Newsroom
One morning in Kampala’s history stands out like a postcard from a more playful, carefree time—a day when the city collectively smiled, paused, and marveled at a billboard that would become etched in Uganda’s pop culture memory.
Perched high above Kampala’s busy skyline was an image as unexpected as it was unforgettable: three of Capital FM’s beloved morning presenters—Oulanya Columbus, the ever-elegant Karitas Karisimbi, and the charismatic Gaetano Kagwa—snuggled together under pristine white sheets in one large bed. The bold visual wasn’t just promoting a radio show—it was declaring a movement. A shared ritual. A love letter to morning radio and the vibrant personalities who gave it life.
That provocative yet tasteful photo of the “Get Out of Bed” crew was more than clever marketing; it was a spark of nostalgia, a conversation-starter, and for many, a symbol of Capital FM’s special place in Uganda’s media landscape. Kampala hadn’t seen anything quite like it—and probably never will again.
Capital FM: The Voice That Woke Up Uganda
Capital FM 91.3, now celebrating 32 uninterrupted years on air, first crackled onto Uganda’s radio waves on December 31st, 1993, just days after its elder sibling, Radio Sanyu 88.2FM, made history as the country’s first English-language FM station on December 18th, 1993.
Founded by a remarkable trio—William Pike, a former Managing Director of The New Vision; Patrick Quarcoo, a Ghanaian media entrepreneur; and Uganda’s own Ezra Bunyenyezi (RIP)—Capital FM quickly evolved from a bold venture into a daily companion for millions. Through political storms, shifting musical tastes, and the explosion of digital media, it remained steady—authentic, relevant, and vibrant.
A Cultural Moment, A Radio Revolution
The Get Out of Bed show, airing weekdays from 6:00 to 10:00 AM, became Capital FM’s flagship morning program, bringing together humor, topical debate, music, and relatable conversation. Listeners didn’t just tune in—they connected. With Oulanya Columbus’s thoughtful wit, Karitas Karisimbi’s warmth and poise, and Gaetano Kagwa’s infectious charm (he being Uganda’s first Big Brother Africa contestant), the trio became as familiar as the aroma of morning tea.
The billboard immortalizing this golden trio wasn’t just advertising—it was art. It was fun without being vulgar, daring without being divisive. It stood for an era when radio wasn’t merely content—it was companionship.
Echoes of a Kinder Time
In an age where social media algorithms dictate attention, there’s something grounding in remembering a time when “tuning in” meant more than just logging on. As one longtime listener fondly put it, “Capital FM wasn’t just on the radio—it was in our kitchens, our cars, our hearts.”
For many, that billboard remains a snapshot of Uganda’s evolving media culture, when FM radio reached its zenith—and when a bed, three presenters, and a city’s curiosity combined to create magic.
As Capital FM continues into its fourth decade, the station’s legacy is not just in the music it played or the news it aired—but in the lives it touched, the mornings it brightened, and the memories it helped shape.
Happy 32 years, Capital FM. May your signal—and your spirit—never fade.
Got a memory about the billboard or your favorite Capital FM moment? Share it in the comments below or tweet us @uganda43443!
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