DNK International By Our Reporter,Kampala
Esther Kazinda, popularly known as Eseza Omuto or Eseza Omwana Omuto, is one of Uganda’s most memorable broadcasting personalities whose remarkable career in radio and television helped shape the childhood experiences of generations of Ugandans.
Through her warm voice, lively presentation and dedication to children’s welfare, she transformed children’s programming into an important platform for education, entertainment, discipline and responsible parenting.
Born in 1957 in Mawookota, Mpigi District, to the late Elinest Kazinda and Aida Kazinda, Kazinda developed into a household name through her ability to communicate with children in a language and tone they could easily understand.
She attended Kitebi Primary School before proceeding to St. Joseph’s Nsambya Girls Senior Secondary School.
Her broadcasting journey began in 1977 when she joined Radio Uganda, initially working as a receptionist.
Her natural communication skills and distinctive, child friendly voice eventually opened the door to broadcasting, where she discovered her calling in children’s programming.
She became particularly famous for presenting Abato, a Sunday afternoon children’s programme on Radio Uganda that she hosted for approximately 26 years.
Kazinda also presented a Saturday morning children’s programme on Star FM, expanding her connection with young audiences.
However, it was her television programme Emiti Emito on WBS TV that cemented her place in Uganda’s broadcasting history.
The programme, whose name draws inspiration from the Luganda proverb Emiti emito gye giggumira kibira—meaning young trees make a strong forest,celebrated childhood while encouraging good behaviour, creativity, cultural appreciation and educational development.
For many Ugandans who grew up during the 1990’s and 2000’s, Saturday mornings were associated with tuning in to Emiti Emito.
The programme brought together children for dance performances, talent showcases, storytelling, songs, moral lessons and discussions about everyday life.
One of the programme’s enduring strengths was Kazinda’s ability to make children feel that they were active participants rather than passive viewers.
Her welcoming approach encouraged them to express themselves, demonstrate their talents and learn important lessons in an entertaining environment.
Her famous opening questions, remembered by generations of listeners and viewers, captured the programme’s intimate relationship with its audience: “Children, how are you? Have you done your homework? What have you done for Mum and Dad this weekend?”
These simple questions reflected her emphasis on education, discipline, family responsibility and children’s participation in household life.
Kazinda also used her public profile to reach children beyond the broadcasting studio.
She visited primary schools during sports days, speech days and inter-house competitions, where her presence often generated considerable excitement among pupils.
Through these engagements, she strengthened the connection between children’s entertainment, school life and community development.
Her programme also became associated with memorable advertising campaigns, including the popular Quencha commercial, whose catchy jingle became familiar to many young Ugandans.
Such features helped make Emiti Emito part of the country’s popular childhood culture.
Beyond entertainment,Kazinda used her programmes to promote personal hygiene, respect for elders, cultural pride, children’s rights and responsible parenting.
She also counselled parents on their responsibilities in raising children, making her work relevant to families as well as young audiences.
Her philosophy extended to teaching children confidence and respectful communication.
In an interview with Daily News Kenya-International in the capital Kampala,she explained: “I teach the children never to look down when speaking to a person.”
The remark reflected her belief that children should develop confidence when communicating with others, while maintaining respect.
Her influence was not limited to those who watched her on television.
Her distinctive presentation style and commitment to children’s education inspired other people working with young audiences.
Her legacy can also be seen in the affection with which former viewers remember her programmes and the lessons they learnt during their formative years.
Kazinda’s contribution to broadcasting and community service earned her a Vocational Award from the Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands in 2003/2004.
The recognition celebrated her service to the community through radio and television broadcasting.
In 2018, she was also recognised among Uganda’s influential women, further underscoring her standing in the country’s media landscape.
When WBS TV ceased operations, Emiti Emito moved to Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC TV), allowing the programme’s legacy to continue on another platform.
After more than four decades in broadcasting,Kazinda retired from active broadcasting in March 2018.
Away from the studio, her personal life also attracted public attention, particularly her relationship with Engineer William Lusse Kigozi, a broadcaster associated with Prime Radio.
The two reportedly met in the 1980’s while working at Radio Uganda and maintained a long relationship before formalising their union.
In June 2015,Kazinda introduced Kigozi to her family at a traditional ceremony in Mpigi District.
The couple exchanged marriage vows at Kireka Hill Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church on January 6, 2016.
Their wedding attracted widespread attention because of the unusually large bridal entourage, which included more than 60 bridesmaids and pageboys.
Contemporary media reports described the bride as being around 61 years old, although published accounts have differed on her age.
The wedding became a memorable public moment, symbolising the possibility of finding love and beginning a new chapter in life later in adulthood.
For many observers, it also revealed a more personal side of a woman whose public identity had long been associated with educating and entertaining children.
A devout Seventh-day Adventist, Kazinda has also been associated with family life, faith and community service.
Her story extends beyond her longevity in broadcasting to the lasting relationship she built with generations of young Ugandans.
Her legacy lies in more than the programmes she presented or the years she spent behind a microphone and television camera.
It is reflected in the adults who still remember her opening questions, the schoolchildren who eagerly awaited her visits and the families who valued the lessons delivered through her broadcasts.
At a time when children’s entertainment increasingly competes with digital media and changing viewing habits, Kazinda Omuto remains a reminder of the influence a dedicated broadcaster can have on a nation’s childhood experiences.
Through Abato and Emiti Emito, Esther Kazinda established herself as more than a presenter: she became a familiar voice in Ugandan homes, an educator outside the classroom and a celebrated figure in East African children’s broadcasting.
Her enduring message was simple: children deserve to be heard, guided, encouraged and prepared to become responsible members of society.
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🗓️ [Daily News Kenya-International@October 23,2026]
