This paper examines radio broadcasts in Uganda, and the promise and limitations of talk radio as a forum for citizen participation, political competition, and policy debate. Listeners use the radio to hear news, discuss common political problems, and demand accountability from public officials. The government, political groups, and other organized interest groups use talk radio to influence public opinion. They also use radio talk shows as platforms to recruit voters, campaigning and promoting policies on the air. The author’s analysis shows that these talk radio discussions also spread a kind of disinformation. Ironically, talk radio gives the listening public the illusion of influence, but leads to political inertia.