New Vision Podcast

Ibrahim Ruhweza recently wrote about the increase of children on the streets supposedly preaching the word of God and how fake pastors are fleecing unsuspecting believers. 

Investigative journalist Ibrahim Ruhweza shares his shocking personal encounter with crime and discusses the safety concerns in Uganda's capital.

How was a shipment of 21 tonnes of coffee beans worth over sh280 million stolen from under the noses of security officers? Your guess is right. This wasn’t just any robbery; it was planned by those meant to uphold the law. 

In Kanungu district, western Uganda, where HIV and poverty have left children without parents, a community of grandmothers is reshaping their future one family at a time.

In Gulu City, northern Uganda, a silent mental health crisis continues to grip young people battling stress, trauma, and depression, often without support. Amid stigma, poverty, and limited mental health services, a grassroots innovation is offering hope.

Dance Plus Therapy, an approach that blends movement with counseling and peer support, is helping youth reclaim their lives one step at a time. 

[Beijing Chronicles] China was isolated from the civilisations of the West by the world’s highest mountains, some of the largest and most severe deserts and long distances. But deep in the silence of ages, as a civilisation was shaping, art thrived as a living, breathing force within the culture. To experience Chinese art, the autumn 2024 Dongfang Scholarship participants at Peking University, visited different historic sites and museums.

The International AIDS Society (IAS) has recently appointed a new president, Dr. Beatriz Greenstein. Dr. Greenstein, an infectious disease physician from Rio de Janeiro, has dedicated over 30 years to advancing HIV prevention and treatment. In an exclusive interview with our health and science journalist John Musenze, she shares her vision for the future of the IAS and what we can expect over the next two years.

We’re taking you to the bustling Malaba border where travelers are facing new and stringent health screenings. As mpox—formerly known as monkeypox—raises concerns across the continent, Uganda has intensified its border controls to combat this emerging threat.

With over 300 traders and a monthly influx of additional vendors, the market’s two aging pit latrines are woefully inadequate, leading to long queues and unsanitary conditions. The vendors have long voiced their concerns, highlighting the risks and discomfort they endure daily. New toilets have brought hope.

Today, August 20th, we’re marking #WorldMosquitoDay, a crucial day dedicated to raising awareness about one of the planet’s most dangerous creatures—mosquitoes. Known for transmitting deadly diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and more, mosquitoes put billions of lives at risk each year.

Malaria, in particular, remains a severe global threat, with nearly half of the world’s population at risk, and Africa shouldering the greatest burden. In Uganda, malaria is a critical issue, affecting over 90% of the population and causing significant health and economic impacts.

Guests:

Jude Thaddeus Bigirwenkya, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Target Malaria Uganda

Krystal Mwesiga Birungi, Field Entomology Coordinator at Target Malaria Uganda

Host:

Raziah Athman

Questions 

1. What does World Mosquito Day mean for Uganda, given its high malaria burden?

2. Can you share some interesting facts about mosquitoes and the species found in Uganda?

3. How can we better protect vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children from malaria?

4. What is the current state of mosquito control efforts in Uganda, and what challenges do they face?

5. How does malaria impact Uganda’s economy and healthcare system?

6. How has climate change influenced mosquito populations and malaria transmission in Uganda?

7. What role do community engagement and local scientists play in combating malaria in Uganda?