Happy Mother’s Day – Maybe.

Today is Mother’s Day! A happy day for some, but not for all mothers in Uganda. Why?  A large number of these mothers are teenagers – around my age. I am 17 years old. Uganda has the 14th highest rate of teenage pregnancies in the world. The country records 114.85 births per year per 1000 women aged between 15 and…

Bill Withers: Ain’t No Sunshine Now He’s Gone

William Harrison (Bill) Withers Jr died on 30 March. He left the stage in the 80’s to devote himself to being a husband and a father. Yet, he has never left the public mind. I, like many across the globe, have spent many a late night in karaoke bars across the world, shamelessly and inexpertly belting out one of his…

Do It Underwater

“We could do it underwater?” “Very funny, I’m sure, Mr President” said the Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture.  “…you will excuse me for reminding you that this is no time for jokes” “You don’t need to remind me Ibrahim” President Mohammed Nasheed said quietly. “…and I am quite serious.” “You are?” “Yes. I am. I propose that we hold the…

The Evolution of Microfinance in Africa

Traditionally, microfinance in Africa was a costly business that carried credit risk. Loan officers often made transactions with limited customer data. These customers may be scattered across remote areas with varying physical conditions. The labour involved would discourage officers from attracting more customers. Advances in digital financial services (or fintech) and the introduction of regulation in recent years has increased…

Let There Be Light

Electricity is something we all take for granted in the Western world, whether it is for boiling a kettle or for charging a mobile phone.  We don’t give it a second thought. So, spare a thought for the majority of the population of Uganda where electricity is a scarce commodity.   Uganda has a population of just over 45 million. More…

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