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Uganda’s (Africa’s) paradox: Why youth unemployment and urban poverty is a sign of progress  Andrew M. Mwenda | THE LAST WORD | Uganda, like all African countries, has a big problem of youth unemployment. Some figures put it at 83%. Unemployed and underemployed youths are relegated to slums in towns where …

COMMENT | LOUIS GAKUMBA | This is not a feel-good story. As impossible and improbable as it sounds, last month a story broke out of Libya; shocking images of thousands of African immigrants caged behind bars like cattle for auction sale. Emaciated and frail, some were sold for as little as …

What are the seven relationships behind violence on the continent and the way out COMMENT | JAKKIE CILLIERS | Africa will remain turbulent because it is poor and young, but also because it is growing and dynamic. Development is disruptive but also presents huge opportunities. The continent needs to plan accordingly. …

What dispute over the world’s tiniest disputed island, tells us about international law COMMENT | CHRISTOPHER R. ROSSI | For as far back as anyone could remember, Migingo was nothing more than an uninhabited pinprick on Lake Victoria. One of three small islands in the eastern waters that make up an …

COMMENT | Moses Magogo | FUFA and the entire football industry applauds coach Moses Basena for having accepted to take charge of the Uganda Cranes at the sudden departure of Milutin Sredojević aka Micho. The job of head coach of the Uganda Cranes is one of the five hottest seats in …

Through smarter asset management, cities can double their investments without raising taxes COMMENT | DAG DETTER | The world is becoming increasingly urbanised, as more people are choosing to live in towns and cities than ever before. The trouble is, most urban areas are unprepared to manage the influx. Cities around …

Why currency depreciation doesn’t always allow exports to decline relative to a producer’s imports COMMENT | GITA GOPINATH | In 1953, Milton Friedman published an essay called `The Case for Flexible Exchange Rates’, arguing that they cushion an economy from internal and external shocks by bringing about just the right price …

Just as 16th century Europe needed African gold, 21st century Europe needs African migrants COMMENT | IBRAHIM ASSANE MAYAKI | In October, the European Union announced a plan to invest €40 billion ($47.6 billion) in Africa, a “Marshall Plan” for the continent that would boost economic growth, create jobs, and, ultimately, …

A micro-sociological personal perspective of the country Kampala, Uganda | JUDE KAGORO |  Rwanda is a country that is both understudied and misunderstood. Some people go to Rwanda sing praises of what they have seen and perhaps forget. Others, using euro-centric and Afro-pessimist lens, criticise uncritically. Some rely on age-old cliché to …

Why it would be a miracle if the recent round of talks yielded the inclusive, sustainable peace the country needs COMMENT | CARINE N. KANEZA | Burundi has been gripped by unrest since April 2015; triggered by President Pierre Nkurunziza’s pursuit of a third term. The crisis has led to protests, …