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Check FAQAbout Halima
Halima Athumani is a seasoned freelance journalist based in Uganda, with a rich background in radio, television, and multimedia reporting. With over 13 years of experience in the field, she has made significant contributions to various international media outlets, including Voice of America's Africa desk for both radio and television, US-based National Public Radio, and as the podcast host of an ongoing war crimes trial in Sweden. Athumani's work has been featured on platforms such as SciDev.Net and she has also produced content for Public Radio International-America Abroad Media, BBC, and podcasts for the University of Cambridge. Before her international engagements, Athumani honed her skills in local Ugandan media, working with 93.3 KFM from 2006 to 2009 and the Uganda Radio Network-News Agency from 2010 to 2014. Her foray into television journalism began in 2016 with an investigative piece titled "Uganda's Health Pyramids," which aired on Al Jazeera's People and Power, supported by Banyak Films-UK. This marked the start of her impactful storytelling through visual media, which has since included special assignments and documentaries. Beyond her reporting, Athumani has played a crucial role as a fixer, collaborating with renowned photographers and filmmakers from National Geographic, BBC, and other international production crews from Japan and Germany. Her local production work includes "The Messenger" (2021) and a BBC documentary series on farming in Uganda (2018-2019). Athumani's journalism provides a window into the social, political, and cultural landscapes of Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on Uganda and Kenya. Her reporting delves into topics such as education, the illegal ivory trade, women's writing groups, and innovative health initiatives, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges and transformations within East African communities.
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Museveni Slams West After US Removes Uganda From Economic Program
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni condemned Western countries following the United States' decision to remove Uganda from an economic assistance program, AGOA, due to human rights concerns. Museveni criticized the West's oppression and manipulation, particularly in light of Uganda's recent anti-homosexuality law. The World Bank has also withdrawn funding from Uganda. Despite the economic impact, Museveni suggested leveraging the Commonwealth of Nations for economic growth, while Asuman Basalirwa, who introduced the anti-gay legislation, expressed disappointment in the West's response but acknowledged the potential repercussions of losing AGOA.
Ugandan Economists Say Country Still Investment Destination Despite US Advisory
Ugandan economists and officials maintain confidence in the country's economy as a viable investment destination, despite a U.S. advisory warning about corruption and the Anti-Homosexuality Act. Morrison Rwakakamba of the Uganda Investment Authority highlights Uganda's low-risk ranking by the Oxford University Center of African Economies and positive growth projections by the African Development Bank. Corti Paul Lakuma from the Economic Policy Research Centre acknowledges the importance of U.S. investments in health and education, suggesting Uganda may need to reconsider its stance on LGBTQ+ rights in light of global inclusivity trends. The World Bank has paused new loans to Uganda due to the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which contradicts its values.
Uganda: Journalists Assaulted in Uganda As Bobi Wine Returns From US
In Uganda, over a dozen journalists were assaulted and their equipment damaged by security agents during anti-government protests coinciding with opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi's return from the U.S. Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, had called for the One Million March, leading to increased security measures. Journalists were barred from the airport and detained for hours, with reports of violence and equipment confiscation. The Special Forces Command denied involvement, while police admitted to arresting journalists due to identification issues and pledged to investigate the physical harm inflicted.
Journalists Assaulted in Uganda as Bobi Wine Returns From US
Ugandan journalists were assaulted and their equipment damaged by security agents during anti-government protests as opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, returned from the U.S. Police claimed the journalists disrupted operations at Entebbe International Airport. Wine described being humiliated and placed under house arrest upon arrival. The Special Forces Command, accused of leading the assault, denied involvement, while police admitted to arresting 14 journalists due to identification issues and pledged to investigate the physical harm inflicted.
Ugandan President: Army Hampered in Fight Against Rebels Coming From DRC
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni attributes the army's difficulties in combating the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to poor intelligence gathering. He criticizes the former DRC President Joseph Kabila for allowing the ADF to regroup and accuses them of various illegal activities. Despite the ADF's defeat in Uganda 16 years ago, they have continued to plant bombs in the country. Museveni highlights Uganda's antiterrorism capabilities and the permission granted by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi for Ugandan troops to enter the DRC to fight the ADF. The recent ADF attack on Lhubiriha Secondary School resulted in 41 deaths, prompting calls for alternative strategies to neutralize the ADF, including dialogue. Museveni emphasizes the need to empower Uganda's youth to prevent manipulation by the ADF, with the security council set to discuss options to end ADF attacks.
Ugandan Cartoonist Highlights Poor Health Care Via Social Media
Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, a popular Ugandan cartoonist, has initiated a social media campaign under the hashtag #UgandaHealthExhibition to expose the dire state of Uganda's health care system, including poor conditions in hospitals, understaffing, and corruption. The campaign has gained traction and support from medical professionals and the public. Uganda's Ministry of Health has responded by showcasing cleaner facilities and blocking Ssentongo's tweets. The issue was brought to parliament, where lawmakers discussed the health sector's challenges. The Ministry's spokesman, Emmanuel Ainebyoona, admitted to problems, citing insufficient funding. Ssentongo, who previously influenced road repairs through a similar campaign, is advocating for increased health care budget and better fund management.
Ugandan Activists Decry Closure of UN Human Rights Office in Uganda
Activists and opposition in Uganda have criticized the government's decision to close the United Nations human rights office in the country, arguing that the government is not upholding human rights as claimed. The U.N. office's mandate ended on February 9, and the government stated that national institutions and civil society are sufficient for monitoring human rights. However, activists, including Livingstone Sewanyana and opposition leader Bobi Wine, express concerns about the weakening of civil society and ongoing human rights abuses. The U.S. ambassador to Uganda, Natalie Brown, emphasized the importance of respecting human rights and holding officials accountable. The Ugandan government plans to continue cooperation with U.N. human rights officials through other channels post-closure.
Uganda's Ebola Success Forces Revamp of Vaccines Trial
Uganda has successfully halted an Ebola outbreak, with no new cases since November 27, leading to a necessary revamp of vaccine trials for the Sudan strain of the virus. The World Health Organization provided over 4,000 doses of trial vaccines from the Indian Serum Institute and Merck, adding to 1,000 doses from the Sabin Vaccine Institute received earlier. Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng and principal investigator Dr. Bruce Kirenga are considering alternative research designs for the trial. The WHO's Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam commended Uganda's capacity to conduct the trial, which remains valuable despite the current lack of new infections. Uganda will wait until January 10 to declare the country Ebola-free, as there is no effective vaccine for the Sudan strain, which last caused an outbreak in Uganda in 2012.
Uganda's Health Ministry Says Ebola Cases Stabilizing
Uganda's Health Ministry officials, including Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, have stated that Ebola cases in the country are stabilizing, with a decline in new cases observed. This follows reports of leaked documents suggesting a dire projection of up to 500 deaths by April. The government has enforced quarantines in the most affected districts, Kasanda and Mubende, and has ordered early closure of primary schools. The U.S. has contributed over $22.3 million to support Uganda's Ebola response, with Ambassador Natali Brown emphasizing the need for proper fund management. The WHO Country Representative, Yonas Tegen, has refuted dramatic projections of Ebola deaths, and the Africa CDC is conducting research to determine the source of the outbreak. Currently, Uganda reports 137 cumulative Ebola cases, 54 deaths, 16 admitted cases, 65 recoveries, and 4,147 contacts under follow-up.
Uganda, WHO to Try Two Vaccines for Rare Ebola Virus Strain
Uganda and the World Health Organization are preparing to trial two vaccines for the Ebola Sudan virus, which has caused 19 deaths and 54 infections across five districts. The vaccines, developed by Oxford and Sabin, await local approvals and are expected to arrive soon. The WHO has allocated $2 million to support Uganda's response and an additional $3 million for readiness in neighboring countries. The recent emergency meeting in Kampala with 11 countries focused on outbreak preparedness and response strategies. The WHO and Africa CDC emphasize the need for better resource prioritization and stronger health institutions.
Fourth Uganda Health Worker Dies as Ebola Spreads
A fourth health worker, Margaret Nabisubi, has died in Uganda due to the Ebola Sudan virus, bringing the total deaths to 11 since the outbreak began in September. The Uganda Medical Association is advocating for better protective gear for health workers. The outbreak has spread to five districts, with a suspected case of the Congo Crimean strain in Amuru district. Health workers are being treated at the FortPortal specialized unit, and there is concern over the impact on the health system and the potential for more cases.
Outlook, Treating PTSD with canine company
The article discusses the initiative taken by Francis Okello in Uganda to change the perception of dogs in the country. Unlike in many other parts of the world where dogs are commonly kept as pets, in Uganda, they are typically used as guard animals and are often feared and distrusted. Okello has introduced the nation's first therapy dog program aimed at helping individuals manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This innovative approach to mental health support highlights the potential benefits of animal-assisted therapy in a new cultural context.
Uganda’s Health Pyramid
In Uganda, a country with a dire doctor-patient ratio, many citizens turn to alternative remedies. Tiens, a Chinese multi-level marketing company, targets these vulnerable populations, selling food supplements as medical treatments without evidence of efficacy. The company's business model involves recruiting distributors to invest in products with little chance of return. Undercover investigation by Halima Athumani revealed that Tiens distributors, unqualified in medicine, diagnose serious illnesses using ineffective devices and prescribe Tiens products as cures. The company's manipulative practices extend to their training sessions, where they employ psychological tactics to retain distributors. Despite the allure of wealth, many distributors, including educated individuals, fall prey to the scheme, suffering financial and psychological harm.
HIV is still a huge challenge in Uganda and this story was about how the lack of HIV drugs forced Uganda to limit treatment to patients. Story was done for Anadolu Agency
This is a feature done for Anadolu Agency about Zika Virus and its origin in Uganda after news broke out of deaths in Brazil.
Genre Uganda
The article discusses a visit by journalist Halima Athumani to the women's writing group Femwrite in Kampala, Uganda. The visit took place in the week leading up to the Ugandan election, and the focus of the discussion was on the candidates and the campaign. The article likely explores the perspectives and opinions of the women in the writing group regarding the political climate and their expectations or concerns about the election outcomes.
Post-Election Conversation with Femwrite in Kampala
The article features a conversation by journalist Halima Athumani with members of the Femwrite group in Kampala. The discussion took place shortly after the announcement of election results. Femwrite is likely a collective or organization that focuses on women's writing or issues pertaining to women in literature or the arts. The content of the conversation is not detailed in the provided text, but it can be inferred that the election results may have had an impact on the group or were of particular relevance to their interests or activities.
Corruption worsens an already devastating illegal wildlife trade in Uganda
The article discusses the disappearance of 1.5 tons of ivory from a Ugandan government store room, highlighting the issue of corruption within the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The return of the UWA's executive director, Andrew Seguya, after a brief suspension is mentioned. Interpol and Enough Project analysts point to the involvement of various armed groups, including the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), in the illegal ivory trade to fund their activities. The LRA, led by Joseph Kony, is suspected of using ivory sales to support themselves. The article also touches on the challenges faced by the UWA in combating the trade and the potential complicity of some officials. It emphasizes the need for Uganda to address both internal and external factors to curb the illegal ivory trade.
Are madrassas in Africa educating or indoctrinating?
The article discusses the role of madrassas in Uganda and Kenya, focusing on the education of Muslim girls. In Uganda, schools like Sumaiya Girls High School offer a dual curriculum of secular studies and Islamic theology, aiming to create responsible future women. The headmaster, Sebagala Muhammed, emphasizes the importance of Islamic knowledge. In Kenya, the situation is tenser, with concerns over Islamic extremism leading to government scrutiny and raids on madrassas. The article highlights the challenges faced by Muslim educational institutions in balancing religious teachings with secular education and the need for government collaboration to prevent radicalization. It also touches on cultural issues that affect girls' education, such as early marriage, and efforts to improve access to education for girls in Muslim communities.
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