Hello,    I’m your host, Stephen Kamugasa. Conversations with Stephen Kamugasa is a bimonthly discussion podcast for people who think and thank: leaders, policy makers, academics, practitioners, and citizens. Our aim is to inspire you to turn challenges into coherent and meaningful solutions, focusing on humanity, leadership, and citizenship.   I have no doubt that listening to this podcast may change your life and inspire you to start making a difference in the world. My question for you is this: “Will you choose to matter?”    Use y ..read more

Detailed Synopsis The Role of Democracy in a Multipolar World   In the context of a multipolar world, the significance of democracy, particularly in Africa, is increasingly complex and multifaceted. Dr. Nic Cheeseman, a political scientist and expert on African politics, emphasises that while there are challenges to democracy on the continent, there are also signs of hope and resilience among the populace.  Historical Context and Current Challenges Dr. Cheeseman delves into the historical context of African states, where colonial powers imposed arbitrary borders and governance struct ..read more

Detailed Synopsis   Dr. Helen Epstein discusses the pervasive issue of corruption in Uganda's health sector in her enlightening podcast episode. She highlights how corruption significantly impacts maternal and infant mortality rates in the country. Despite substantial donor investments in the health sector, Uganda's maternal and infant mortality rates have not decreased as expected due to widespread corruption within the system. Mismanagement of funds, embezzlement, and lack of accountability have resulted in essential resources and services not reaching those in need, particularly m ..read more

Detailed Synopsis   Dr. Jochen Lingelbach's research on Polish refugees in British colonial Africa offers valuable insights into the complexities of identity politics and colonial hierarchies. His study delves into how the influx of nearly 20,000 Polish refugees in East and Central Africa during World War II disrupted the existing racial hierarchies of colonial societies. These refugees, hailing from diverse backgrounds, did not neatly fit into the established categories of colonisers or colonised.   Dr. Lingelbach's research sheds light on the ambiguous position of the Polish refuge ..read more

Detailed Synopsis   Understanding Genocide: A Global Responsibility   In a thought-provoking podcast episode, Dr. Omar McDoom stresses the global responsibility of recognising genocide. He delves into the complexities of genocide, with a specific focus on the Rwandan genocide, emphasising the importance of understanding its causes and contexts to prevent future atrocities and foster reconciliation. Importance of Understanding Genocide Prevention: Dr. McDoom highlights the significance of comprehending the factors that lead to genocide to prevent similar events in the future. B ..read more

Podcast summary:   In this inaugural episode of our six-part series on genocide, we delve into the silence that often surrounds this grave issue. Our esteemed guest, Dr. Maria Chamberlain, an honorary fellow at the University of Edinburgh and a Holocaust survivor's daughter, shares her poignant personal history and insights.   Born in Krakow, Poland, and having emigrated to the UK in 1958, Dr. Chamberlain discusses her childhood experiences, including the influence of her caretaker Nela, which later inspired her to study fungi professionally. She reflects on the impact of her parents ..read more

Podcast summary:   Summary: In this podcast, Stephen Kamugasa interviews Mr. Robert Pacilio, a retired school teacher and writer. Robert, who grew up in a tough part of Brooklyn, shares his experiences of being the only child in an Italian-American family. He also discusses his journey as a teacher and his latest memoir, "It Was Never About the Books," which explores the influence of teachers on their students. Finally, the podcast explores the butterfly effect of great teachers and the impact they can have on students' lives. Show notes/Time stamp:   00:04:48 The power of ..read more

Podcast Summary:   In this episode 011 of Conversations with Stephen Kamugasa, Stephen welcomes Milton Alimadi, a Ugandan-American author, journalist, professor, and publisher of Black Star News. Milton discusses his background, including being the son of a former Prime Minister of Uganda and his education at Syracuse University and Columbia University. He shares his experiences working as a journalist for publications, among them the New York Times, where he exposed the trend of white reporters fabricating stories about Africa. Milton also talks about co-founding Black Star New ..read more

A crisis between town and country is as real as the day is long. It is a widening cleavage which manifests itself in everything we do: in our politics, in our education, in the way we work, in what we dream about, and yes, most crucially, in our attitude towards climate change. Look anywhere you please, and you will see a split between the town mindset and a country mindset, extending well beyond the western political discourse; spanning places as far-flung as Turkey, Brazil, Peru, the Philippines and South Africa. Take for instance Southeast Asia, one sees a similar divide, growing in its veh ..read more

1. This is the 1st of three podcasts on Climate Change.   2. Today’s guest is Sir Jonathon Porritt CBE, a distinguished British environmentalist, broadcaster and writer.   3. Jonathon Porritt was educated at Eton College, from whence he went to Oxford, to read modern languages. Graduating with a first class degree, Jonathon qualified as a teacher in 1974, teaching at St Clement Danes Grammar School, in Shepherds Bush, West London. He remained at the school for 10 years, including serving as Head of English from 1980 to 1984.    4. As much as Jonatho ..read more