comm-UNITY!

In this episode, we continue our conversation on social security amongst the community of workers in Uganda with Dr. Phiona Muhwezi Mpanga, Lecturer at The School Of Law, Makerere University. Focusing more broadly on social protection, which includes but is not limited to pay, she highlights the importance of this protection in maintaining workers' dignity (both in the formal and informal sectors).

In this special episode, we are joined by Mr. Allan Kasujja, Ugandan Journalist and Radio Broadcaster at the BBC. We take time to reflect on the global community of black people, and in this particular moment the Black Lives Matter Movement. There is power in our dialogue and there is power in owning our narrative.

This week we continue our conversation on community with Mr. Morrison Rwakakamba, Founding CEO at Agency For Transformation and Global Senior Director of Policy at Fenix International. We discuss the community of workers within Uganda's formal sector and the challenges they are facing during this time, many of which can be traced to the need for social security reforms and protection.

He raises concerns regarding the space that NSSF (The National Security Fund mandated by the government) occupies as a monopoly fund. What is the place of the NSSF in supporting the population of workers, especially considering crisis access in a time such as this? What does a social security fund that centers and represents workers in Uganda across the board look like? And in reimagining social security protections, what are the ways in which communities of workers can mobilize to push for change?

Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, PhD in Education and Executive Director of UWEZO Uganda, joins us in episode 5 as we continue to delve into the education community.

She uses her own learning experience during Uganda's Resistance War in 1985 as a backdrop to highlight that the key missing point in Uganda's current learning framework is a focus on the basic foundations of learning that allow children to make quality progress.

While the Ministry of Education has done well to provide a framework that advocates for learning continuity and home integration during this period, there is a need to address how, without a strong foundation in the basics of learning, the processes of continuity and integration are hindered.

In this episode we are joined in conversation by Mr. Solomon King Benge, founder of Fundi Bots(a robotics non-profit that uses robotics training to create and inspire a new generation of students and innovators). He brings the conversation on Education-technology(something various communities are exploring within this pandemic) home, by highlighting what the quality of education and access to ed-tech looks like for various levels of learners within Uganda.

It is no secret that there is a huge breakdown in equity within the education community. He spotlights that the scope and breadth of work we need to do in the education sector goes beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. While COVID-19 has exposed areas in which innovative work needs to be championed, there needs to be a general commitment to the wellbeing and welfare of Africa's children.

On this week's episode we are joined by Ms. Hope Chigudu, a Feminist Activist, Leadership Coach and Organizational Development Expert. We delve into the importance of community, as a site of sustenance, connection and healing.

And as the COVID-19 pandemic in some ways has initiated a shift towards the centering of community values and practices, these elements are not new and have been a part of African practices and traditions. Ms. Hope reflects on this rescuscitation, what it might look like for various people in the community, and why it is important.

In this episode, we are joined by CEO, Executive Director and Managing Director of New Vision Printing and Publishing Company Limited, Mr. Robert Kabushenga. He gives insight on how actively participating in the fight against COVID-19 through giving of various resources, has and should make the business sector reflect on the different practices that they engage in.

Does the business sector now have a better understanding of the community that makes up their market? Will there be an increased and continued support and value shift from the business sector in a post-pandemic/lockdown environment?

In the inaugural episode of comm-UNITY we are joined by Rita Auma, an author, lawyer and mental health advocate. She shares her insight on mental health and wellness in the community, what that means and looks like during the time of COVID-19, what is changing, what needs to change, and what possible outcomes we might see.

Mental Health has been brought closer to home in this period of time, as the crisis has brought some of what many have faced for years right to our doorsteps. Has this enhanced awareness and support? Has this moved law and policymakers to bring mental healthcare to the forefront of society?

Rita also shared some mental healthcare centers that are offering support during this time:

Welcome to comm-unity! A podcast hosted by Jackie Asiimwe CEO of CivSource Africa, following stories and conversations (with a spotlight on Uganda) highlighting the ways in which sharing, supporting and existing collectively during the COVID-19 pandemic have transformed or need to be transformed. Follow our weekly episodes, share your thoughts and engage with us here on Soundcloud or one of CivSource Africa’s various platforms.

www.civsourceafrica.com