A Fall from Grace? The Unraveling of Makerere University
On the proverbial mantle of prestige, Makerere stands firm but seems to gather dust while sister universities contend and surpass its glory. Founded in 1922 as a technical school, Uganda's flagship institution has been a hub not only for Ugandans, but Africans to flock in search of quality education. Uganda’s education sector, modelled upon the British system, was one of the best in Africa until the early 1990s.
Aid-less Future? How USAID Cuts are Reshaping the Greater East Africa
The aid sector has been rattled to its core facing increasing pressure from the United States move towards cutting down government expenses by decreasing their foreign aid spending. It began with a 90-day pause on all US foreign aid a day after President Trump’s inauguration to office when an audit of the expenses was called for.
Rwanda’s Healthcare Revolution: A Blueprint for Universal Coverage in Africa
Imagine needing urgent medical care but hesitating because of the cost. For millions around the world, this is a harsh reality—but in Rwanda, things are different. Before the 1999 reforms, healthcare was largely inaccessible and unaffordable for many. In the wake of the 1994 genocide, the country faced immense challenges, yet it emerged with a vision: healthcare for all.
Unlocking East Africa's Potential: The Transformative Role of Vocational Training
In Kenya’s bustling Gikomba Market, thousands of artisans hammer, stitch, and weld daily - yet 83% of them are locked out of formal employment. Across East Africa, the informal sector dominates, employing millions while offering limited paths to economic stability. This disparity reveals a critical challenge: how do we close the gap between mere survival and prosperity?
Chalk & Change: Comparing the Efficacy of Uganda & Kenya's National Curriculums
Education is a powerful force for change - a key tool for social mobility and an experience shared by many. While exam stress and institutional discipline resonate with most learners, it is worth examining the underlying structures that shape educational systems. We must stop to wonder why schooling is structured as it is. Do existing institutional frameworks truly foster equity?
From Backlog to Brain Drain: The Key Issues Behind East Africa’s Medical Intern Absorption Problem
In March 2024, hopeful medical interns in Kenya took to the streets in a 56-day-long strike. The issues under contention? A directive from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission had proposed to reduce intern stipends from Ksh 206,000 to between Ksh 47,000 and Ksh 70,000 – a reduction of nearly 80%.
