Stories about Uganda
Making Swahili visible: Identity, language and the internet
Swahili is the most widely spoken African language, but its visibility online is dismal. Kenyan language activist Bonface Witaba is working to change this.
Women journalists in Uganda carry ‘double burden’ with online attacks and harassment
Women journalists in Uganda carry the double burden of gender-based abuse online and potential threats related to political reporting. These threats have led women journalists to withdraw from public discourse.
Truck drivers blamed for spread of COVID-19 in East Africa
Truck drivers in East Africa face an onslaught of new COVID-19 mandates and restrictions in borders towns — causing confusion, fear, endless traffic queues, protests and disrupted trade.
COVID-19, locusts and floods: East Africa's triple dilemma
East Africa's "triple threat" — the coronavirus, locusts, and floods — are not mutually exclusive. In fact, each is inextricably linked.
Market mayhem in Uganda as COVID-19 measures upend women’s lives
In Uganda, sudden COVID-19 restrictions have led to increased violence against women in the informal sector, who continue to work as vendors to feed their families.
Musicians in East Africa rush to produce ‘corona’ songs — even as the industry falters
As COVID-19 sweeps through Africa, musicians have taken a hit with canceled concerts, festivals, tours and interrupted studio time. Yet, they have risen to the challenge by composing catchy tunes.
A ‘sweet’ deal: Sugar war ends between Tanzania and Uganda after years-long embargo
After a years-long ban on sugar imports from Uganda, Tanzania announced that it would open up trade on a government-to-government basis, strengthening ties within the East African Community.
2019: A year of flipping scripts and changing narratives in Africa
2019, a year of changing narratives in Africa: Revolutions. Internet shutdowns. Tree-planting. Migration. Feminist songs. Media crackdowns. Cyclones and climate change. Opposition rising. Cultural icons dying. Illness, cures, and healing.
Taxing dissent: Uganda’s social media dilemma
Uganda’s social media tax essentially amounted to an internet shutdown, driving thousands offline and silencing dissent for others.
Join Global Voices’ #WritingTowardFreedom Twitter chat on December 11, 2019
How has ethnic hate speech, mis- and disinformation and internet shutdowns become insidious threats to online freedom of expression in Africa? Join us for this discussion in a Twitter chat.
Will Uganda shut down the internet as opposition heats up for 2021 elections?
As the 2021 election approaches, Uganda authorities are very likely to continue to crack down on political dissent, including through social media shutdowns.
Rwanda deports American evangelical pastor accused of hate speech and visa violations
Many Rwandans lauded the US evangelical preacher's deportation, decrying hate speech in Rwanda. But supporters see it as an attack on faith-based organizations by the Kagame administration.
Is Mandarin Chinese the language of East Africa’s future?
As China strengthens its already robust trade and infrastructural ties with Africa, Chinese-government funded Confucius Institutes to teach Chinese Mandarin are on the rise.
‘No Visa Mix': Tanzanian singeli stars denied visas to US music festival
"For those of you who still think of artists escaping to America, think about it again. It doesn’t make sense and you’ll lose the chance to see amazing performances."
‘Is vagina a dirty word?’ Ugandan feminist Stella Nyanzi's court battle continues
Nyanzi battles for her freedom of expression. Besides this case, Nyanzi still faces charges other charges of cyber harassment and offensive communication.
Years after eviction by an oil extraction project, a Ugandan community waits for justice
Uganda’s oil reserves can potentially bring in revenue of over US$50 billion over 25 years, but extraction projects are happening in areas where land rights and tenure are not clearly defined.
DRC Ebola outbreak spreads to neighboring Uganda, activating rapid preparedness response
Uganda has prepared for this moment: Three confirmed cases activate a strong Ebola response system of detection and prevention. Is this a "public health emergency of international concern"?
Kenyan writer, Binyavanga Wainaina, who taught the world ‘how to write about Africa,’ dies at 48
"There is only one Binyavanga Wainaina. He is an ancestor now. Let us celebrate his life." The world mourns the loss and honors the prolific life of Kenya's leading writer.
Is Stella Nyanzi ‘weaponizing the vagina'? Ugandan feminist goes to court in free speech case
On her quest for good governance, Stella Nyanza is "unflinching in her criticism of the Ugandan government" and unafraid to tackle taboos around sex, gender and LGBT rights.
Ugandan regulators order 13 media outlets to suspend staff over coverage of opposition figure
The Ugandan regulator says media houses that fail to comply with their directive could have their licenses revoked.
Ugandan pop star politician Bobi Wine pens song on police brutality during house arrest
Ugandan musician and MP Bobi Wine's new song "Afande" critiques police brutality with a message of love and unity. "Why beat me? There is no difference between me and you!"