The Spark It Podcast

Just two days before Uganda’s elections, the internet was shut down—cutting off millions from access to information, digital participation, and real-time reporting. In this episode of Spark It Podcast , we unpack what this internet shutdown means for Uganda’s democracy, transparency, and accountability , with a special focus on youth voices, civic participation, and digital rights . We explore how...

In this episode of the Spark It Podcast , we unpack South Sudan’s long transitional period, the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, and the repeated extensions that have delayed the country’s path to stability. We explain the purpose of the pre-transitional and transitional phases, the challenges of forming security arrangements, and why elections without key reforms, such as a permanent constitutio...

In this episode of the Spark It Podcast, we break down South Sudan’s most dramatic political shake-up in years. We analyze President Salva Kiir’s nine decrees issued in a single night, following the removal of Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel. We examine why Kiir acted now,  and what these changes reveal about Kiir's strategy, loyalty politics, governance challenges, and the future of the...

Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni shocked East Africa after claiming the Indian Ocean “belongs” to him (Uganda) —sparking outrage, humor, and serious geopolitical debate. In this episode, we break down the legal, historical, military, and economic implications of the statement. From Kenya’s online reactions to Uganda’s landlocked position, EAC politics, regional security, and the role of s...

This episode of the Spark It Podcast dives deep into the shocking fall of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel. In a rapid series of presidential decrees, President Salva Kiir Mayardit removed, relieved, demoted, and dismissed Bol Mel from every position of power: Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Deputy Chairman of the SPLM, National Security Service, and even his rank as a full military General. We explo...

In this episode of The Spark It Podcast, we sit down with King George, the visionary, founder, and host of the Chill Talk Podcast, the most popular podcast in South Sudan. From growing up as a refugee in Uganda to becoming one of East Africa’s top podcast hosts, George shares his journey of resilience, creativity, and purpose. He opens up about starting from scratch, the power of consistency, and...

Following the passing of Raila Odinga, political analyst Emmanuel Taban examines how Kenya’s democracy icon shaped multi-party politics, constitutional reform in 2010, and a culture of peaceful protest. We revisit Raila’s calming “handshake” politics, including the recent broad-based arrangement with President William Ruto, and debate online reactions, kingpin dynamics, and ODM’s future leadership...

In this episode of The Spark It Podcast, we talk about the stability Uganda has enjoyed since 1986. We unpack President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s leadership style, the benefits and trade-offs of “security-first” rule, and how constitutional changes that removed term and age limits reshaped power and public trust. We explore rural and urban voter motivations, why opposition parties struggle to scale...

In this episode of the Spark It Podcast, we break down the high-profile trial of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon. Political analyst Emmanuel Taban explains the 2025 Nasir clashes, alleged links to the White Army, charges against Machar (treason, murder, crimes against humanity), and why a special court and media access matter. We unpack the constitutional confusion...

In this episode of The Spark It Podcast, Clara Joan Mullai, a women's advocate, shares her life story as a girl from South Sudan who fought to stay in school. Clara speaks about early marriage, dowry norms, period poverty, and weak school systems, and her pastor father, who protected her from early marriage and championed her education. We discuss parental support, pads and basics, mentorship, and...

In this Spark It Podcast episode, KK Rap Soldiers from Koboko share raw truths about Uganda’s music scene, self-presentation, unity, and the importance of demanding fair pay from promoters. They hustle beyond the stage (boda boda) to fund better studios, visuals, and an EP. The crew salutes Homeboy Juston’s organizing, urges artists to negotiate together, and teases their hit “Painkiller,” with a...

In this episode of the Spark It Podcast , we sit down with the KK Rap Soldiers , the hottest rap group in Koboko, Uganda. Known for their hit single “Nobody” , which gained over 17,000 YouTube views in just six months, the trio shares their journey from dance crews to dominating the rap scene. Fadsam Faddy , Jaden Jecko , and Koffi Li open up about their struggles, inspirations, and what it takes...

In Part 2 of this Spark It Podcast episode, Patrick Chandiga Justine sheds light on how South Sudan’s education crisis ties directly to peace, politics, and the nation’s future. With millions of children out of school, underpaid teachers, and fragile infrastructure, the system struggles to prepare future leaders. Patrick explains why peace is the foundation for any real reform and highlights effor...

In this episode of The Spark It Podcast , we dive into South Sudan’s deepening education crisis with Patrick Chandiga Justine, a South Sudanese refugee and founder of CECI Uganda, JobsToApply, and WANII. With over 2 million children out of school and literacy rates below 35%, the country faces a significant educational crisis. Girls are the most affected, as 3 out of 4 remain out of school, and ma...

In this Spark It Podcast episode, we talk about South Sudan's journey to becoming its own country. Emmanuel Taban, a South Sudanese political analyst, shares what it was like growing up during the war and how the people fought hard to gain independence in 2011 after years of war and suffering. We talk about civil wars, lost lives, hope for peace, and the big dreams that many still hold. This is a...

This episode of the Spark It Podcast honors the power and voices of Kenyan women in protests—from freedom fighter Mekatilili wa Menza and Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai to today’s Gen Z leaders. It shows how women have shaped history and are still on the frontlines fighting femicide, injustice, and bad governance. Their voices matter. Their actions inspire. Their courage brings hope. Whether offli...

On this episode of the Spark It Podcast, we talk about Kenya’s June 25th protests when young people filled the streets demanding justice, freedom, and better leadership. We explore what happened, why it matters, and how the youth are fighting for their future despite fear, violence, and silence from those in power. From police brutality to social activism, this is a deep, honest conversation about...

Albert Ojwang was a Kenyan teacher and blogger. He died in police custody after sharing his views online. In this episode of the Spark It Podcast, we tell his story in simple language. We explore why freedom of speech is important and how people in Kenya are calling for justice.  We discuss what happened, how communities reacted, and why it matters for everyone. Hear voices asking for truth,...

In this episode of the Spark It Podcast, Abraham “Monte” Kamau shares how he went from using church equipment to building Mont Republic, a creative agency offering photography, design, and digital skills training.  With no formal schooling in media, Monte learned everything from YouTube and now teaches others how to earn a living from what they have. His journey shows how passion, faith, and...

In this episode of the Spark It Podcast, Naom takes us through her inspiring leadership journey. From breaking the glass ceiling as a leader in the nonprofit sector championing women and girls empowerment; to how she has taken up leadership roles all the way from when she was a child. To her, leadership is not about having all the answers but its about influencing people and giving them the power...

In this episode of The Spark It Podcast, Emmanuel Taban takes us through his inspiring journey from growing up in a refugee camp in Uganda to earning a scholarship to study in Canada. He shares how he navigated tough choices, overcame self-doubt, and adapted to a new life abroad. From learning English and getting his first smartphone to facing culture shock and adjusting to student life in Canada,...

In this episode of The Spark It Podcast , Hellen Kimaru and Kimzy open up about landing their first jobs, the struggles of job hunting, the pressure to stick to a career path, and learning how to speak up at work. From night shifts to nonprofit work, they share personal lessons about soft skills, setting boundaries, and why starting from the bottom isn’t failure. If you’re job searching, new to wo...

In this episode, Hellen Kimaru sits down with Kimzy, a multi-talented Kenyan creative who is a fashion designer, YouTuber, and play writer, director, actor, and producer. Together, they dive into the controversy around the student play Echoes of War by Cleophas Malala, performed by Butere Girls in Kenya. They discuss why the play was stopped by the Kenyan government and the issues it raises about...

In this episode of The Spark It Podcast, Hellen Kimaru and Patrick Chandiga Justine sit down with Emmanuel Taban, a political commentator and a final-year governance student at Yukon University, Canada. He shares how war forced him to leave his home in South Sudan. He talks about escaping to Uganda, starting life from zero in a refugee camp, and how education and hope helped him rebuild. His story...

In this episode, Hellen Kimaru speaks with her sisters, Lydia and Ann, about growing up with poetry, acting, and music. Lydia is a fashion designer, YouTuber, and mom who has loved theater from a young age. She now supports her son’s music and poetry. Ann discovered poetry at age nine and once performed for Kenya’s First Lady, Lucy Kibaki. Together, they share how art helped them gain confidence,...