I Wrote to Check on Him. He Reminded Me Why I Do This

Every so often, I find myself going through my email, deleting old messages and thinking about people I have not spoken to in a while. Sometimes I stop and wonder how they are doing and, if I can, I reach out.

This time, I found myself writing to my former director, Boyce Rensberger, who led the Knight Science Journalism Fellowship when I was at MIT in 2008. It has been many years, and he is one of the many people who played a part in shaping my journey in science journalism. I simply wanted to know how he and his wife, Linda, were doing.

I wasn't expecting anything profound in his reply. But then he wrote:

“I think of you often and marvel that you are still engaged in the great work of health journalism, and in one of my favorite parts of the world.”

And then came the words that really stayed with me:

“You are one of the best investments the Knight Fellowship ever made.”

I honestly had to sit with that for a while.

Science/health journalism is not always an easy road, particularly here. There are many moments when you question yourself, wonder whether anyone is paying attention, or ask whether it is worth continuing to push for evidence, clarity and good journalism when so many other forces seem to be working against it.

I have been doing this for a long time now. Since my time at MIT in 2008, I have continued to report on health and science, train journalists, build networks including www.hejnu.ug and create spaces where scientists and journalists can actually talk to each other ( at media science cafes) and make science understandable to the people who need it.

Sometimes I forget how far that journey has been. So Boyce's words came at a very good time.

A reminder that the work we do can leave a mark, even when we don't see it immediately. A reminder that someone is watching. A reminder that perhaps that investment all those years ago was not wasted. Boyce reminded me why I keep going.

Thank you, Boyce. ❤️

And thank you to the Knight Science Journalism community for believing in me back in 2008.

Still here. Still asking questions. Still trying to make science matter to people.

Easter marked highest Bible engagement day in YouVersion history globally and across Sub-Saharan Africa

Easter 2026 became the most engaged day in the history of YouVersion, as millions of people worldwide turned to Scripture during Holy Week in what the platform described as a sustained global surge in Bible reading and reflection.

Across its Family of Apps, YouVersion recorded an average of 18.7 million people engaging with the Bible each day during Holy Week.

On Easter Sunday alone, engagement peaked at more than 21.6 million people, setting a new record for the holiday and becoming the highest single day of Bible engagement in the platform’s history. Notably, all ten of the highest engagement days ever recorded on YouVersion occurred in 2026.

The growth was not limited to a single region. Global Bible engagement during Holy Week rose by 15 percent compared to the previous year, with every region reporting increases. Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the strongest growth, rising by 37 percent year over year, while Latin America saw a 22 percent increase. These gains represented millions of additional readers engaging with Scripture during the Easter period.

In Africa, Easter-related engagement reached particularly significant levels. Easter Sunday ranked as the number one Bible engagement day in Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. South Africa saw its highest engagement on Good Friday, while in Kenya Palm Sunday led as the top day, with Easter Sunday coming second. The patterns reflected how Holy Week traditions continued to shape digital Scripture reading habits across the continent.

The momentum also extended to accessibility-focused platforms. Bible App Lite, designed for offline and low-data environments, was ranked the number one most downloaded app in nine African countries on Easter Sunday, including Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The trend underscored growing reliance on mobile Scripture access in regions where connectivity constraints remain significant.

Scripture engagement during Easter also reflected familiar thematic patterns. In previous years, John 15:13—“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”—was the most engaged verse across African countries during Holy Week. In 2026, the most read verse shifted to Matthew 28:6: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay,” highlighting the central Easter message of resurrection.

Joseph Gachira, YouVersion’s Kenya Hub Leader, said the surge reflected a broader regional shift in Bible engagement. He noted that interest in Scripture had continued to grow steadily across Africa, especially during Easter when both committed Christians and those exploring the meaning of the season turned to the Bible for guidance, encouragement, and understanding.

He said the rising engagement across the continent was a reminder of how deeply people were connecting with Scripture at significant moments of the Christian calendar.

The YouVersion Family of Apps provides access to the Bible in more than 2,400 languages and 3,750 translations, alongside devotional content and Bible reading plans developed with global ministry partners. During Holy Week, featured video content from The Chosen, BibleProject, and the Museum of the Bible also helped bring the Easter story to life for millions of users.

Bobby Gruenewald, founder and CEO of YouVersion, said Easter had historically remained one of the highest engagement periods each year, adding that the continued growth reflected a deepening global interest in Scripture. He noted that the Easter season remained a key moment when people reflected on themes of sacrifice, hope, and renewal.

As Easter 2026 concluded, the data pointed to a broader trend: Bible engagement was not only increasing during religious holidays but showing sustained growth across regions and platforms throughout the year, with Sub-Saharan Africa emerging as one of the fastest-growing centers of digital Scripture engagement.

Africa’s Digital Ambitions Face Transmission and Fragmentation Risks

Africa is increasingly united in its ambition to build a competitive, AI-enabled digital economy. Governments and investors across the continent are scaling digital infrastructure, recognising data centres as the backbone of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and modern digital services.

The opportunity is significant. Africa’s data centre market is projected to grow from US$3.49 billion in 2024 to US$6.81 billion by 2030, while the AI market is expected to expand from US$4.51 billion in 2025 to over US$16.5 billion by 2030. Together, these sectors underpin a broader US$1.5 trillion digital economy potential by the end of the decade.

Yet structural weaknesses threaten this trajectory. Transmission—both of power and connectivity—remains one of the continent’s most persistent barriers. Dr. Krishnan Ranganath, Regional Executive for West Africa at Africa Data Centres, argues that while power generation exists, outdated grids and weak fibre networks prevent effective distribution.

“Building data centres is the easy part,” he says. “If connectivity is unreliable or power transmission is weak, these facilities become stranded assets.”

Fragmentation compounds the challenge. Divergent regulations, data localisation rules, and uneven digital maturity across countries raise costs, limit scale, and undermine cross-border investment. Instead of a unified market, Africa risks developing isolated digital hubs that struggle to compete globally.

While momentum is growing—from Egypt and Kenya to Nigeria and South Africa—progress will depend on coordination. Africa’s cloud market is projected to reach US$45 billion by 2031, and fintech US$65 billion by 2030, but realising this potential requires aligned policies, shared standards, and regional collaboration.

“The question is not just data centres,” Dr. Ranganath notes. “It is how Africa builds a complete digital ecosystem—power, networks, skills, and markets working together.”

Africa’s digital future is within reach. But without fixing transmission fundamentals and overcoming fragmentation, the continent’s AI and digital ambitions risk falling short of their promise.

Africa’s AI Moment Arrives as Egypt Takes Center Stage

For years, conversations about artificial intelligence have been dominated by Silicon Valley, Europe, and East Asia. But that narrative is shifting fast. Africa is no longer watching from the sidelines—it is building, scaling, and increasingly shaping how AI is deployed for real-world impact. That momentum comes into sharp focus this February as Egypt hosts Ai Everything Middle East & Africa (MEA) Egypt 2026, the world’s first all-AI industry summit and showcase of the year.

Held on 11–12 February 2026 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center, the event places Africa firmly in the global AI spotlight. It arrives at a defining moment: artificial intelligence is projected to contribute more than US$1.5 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030, driven by rapid adoption in public services, finance, health, telecoms, and industrial systems.

Egypt as a Gateway for Africa’s AI Ambitions

Egypt’s role as host is symbolic and strategic. As a bridge linking Africa, the Arab world, and the Gulf, the country has positioned itself as a regional AI hub—ranking first in Africa for Government AI Readiness and third in the Arab region for AI Resilience. Backed by its Second National AI Strategy, Egypt is investing heavily in cloud infrastructure, digital public services, and Arabic-first AI models tailored to local realities.

By convening policymakers, investors, startups, and global technology giants, Ai Everything MEA Egypt is designed to move AI beyond policy documents into deployment—turning ambition into economic value across African markets.

More than 350 AI enterprises and startups from over 30 countries will showcase solutions spanning cloud computing, cybersecurity, data centers, fintech, healthcare, mobility, and public services. Global leaders such as Microsoft, AWS, Cisco, HPE, and Capgemini will share the stage with African and regional innovators—including Egypt’s own Olimi AI, whose multilingual agents understand Arabic dialects across North Africa and the Gulf.

This blend matters. Africa’s AI story is not about importing technology wholesale, but about localising intelligence—building systems that reflect African languages, institutions, and social contexts.

Africa’s Startup Powerhouse

Egypt now leads Africa’s startup ecosystem, accounting for 31% of total continental startup funding in the first half of 2025 alone. That surge reflects a broader trend: African entrepreneurs are leveraging AI to solve practical challenges—from healthcare delivery to digital payments and climate resilience.

At Ai Everything MEA Egypt, startups from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East will demonstrate AI in action, reinforcing Africa’s role as both a market and a source of innovation.

Beyond technology showcases, the summit tackles deeper questions: how can African countries build sovereign AI systems, retain data control, develop talent, and ensure AI serves the public good? Leaders from the World Bank, UN agencies, development banks, and global AI firms will confront the realities of compute power, financing, ethics, and inclusion.

As Africa accelerates into the AI era, these conversations are no longer theoretical—they are urgent.

Ai Everything MEA Egypt 2026 signals something larger than an industry event. It marks Africa’s transition from AI consumer to AI architect. With rising investment, expanding infrastructure, and a new generation of innovators, the continent is staking its claim in the global AI economy.

The future of artificial intelligence will not be built in one region alone—and Africa, increasingly, is helping to shape it.

“We Found Those Beliefs and Followed Them”: Karamoja Elders Push to End Open Defecation

In the sweeping plains of Karamoja, elders are urging communities to abandon open defecation, a long-standing practice they say is harming public health but remains deeply rooted in cultural beliefs.

For generations, myths have shaped people’s attitudes toward toilets. Pregnant women are warned that using a latrine could cause miscarriage. Families fear “mixing waste” with in-laws. And in some communities, using the same toilet as everyone else is considered awkward or disrespectful.

Despite years of interventions—sensitization campaigns, construction of toilets, and behaviour-change programs—many of these facilities remain unused.

Joseph Angolere, a member of the Karamoja Elders Association in Kangole Town Council, said most communities still lack proper sanitation facilities and struggle with both cultural barriers and environmental challenges.

“Our soil is too loose. Only those with money can construct proper toilets,” Angolere explained. “The ones we build temporarily often collapse during the rainy season.”

But even where toilets exist, many remain empty.

Angolere said a lingering myth keeps people away from shared latrines: “They fear piling their waste in the same latrine with other family members, especially the in-laws.”

In Naitakwae Parish, he recalled, partners constructed toilets—but residents later turned them into shelters for themselves and goats during the rainy season.

Still, he believes progress is slowly taking hold. “Health programs have created awareness, and people are gradually adopting the use of the facilities,” he said, adding that elders are intensifying efforts to persuade households to abandon open defecation.

Another elder, Timothy Adiaka, has also noticed change—small, but meaningful. “People no longer defecate within the gates like before,” he said. “In those days, feces were everywhere. Now, with sensitization, the compounds are clean from such dirty things.” Adiaka is hopeful the practice will fade as more children attend school.

For many residents, the cultural weight of tradition runs deep.
Anna Mary Namer, from Lolain Cell, said, “We grew up knowing that defecating in the toilet is an abomination.” She explained that women fear the smell from toilets could “enter their reproductive system,” and pregnant mothers worry about “losing a baby in the process of pushing the feaces.”

“We found those beliefs and just followed,” Namer added. “But slowly, we are also embracing toilets.”Still, practical barriers persist. “Termites disturb us when we use local materials. Even digging a pit is a challenge,” she said.

For the younger generation, awareness is increasing but frustration remains.
Joyce Akiteng, a youth from Nadunget Town Council, said many people simply do not know how to use a toilet properly. “Instead of dropping the feaces inside, they smear them all over the floor,” she lamented

“Most of these latrines—you're welcomed with feaces right at the doorway. Now tell me why I should not go to the bush!” She worries the poor use of latrines can spread bacterial infections “more than defecating in an open space.”

According to Ministry of Health guidelines, every household must have a latrine. Yet in Karamoja, about 70% of communities still practice open defecation. A Karamoja Resilience Support Unit report found 64.3% of households lacked latrines entirely. Amudat District had the lowest coverage—just 2.6 percent—while Kaabong, at 69.8 percent, fared best.

The report concluded that cultural beliefs remain a major obstacle—and called for innovative, community-led strategies to improve latrine ownership and use.

But for elders like Angolere, the mission is simpler: keep talking, keep persuading, and keep challenging old myths.

“We are not giving up,” he said. “People are changing—slowly, yes—but they are changing.”

Uganda’s Digital Loans Are Changing—At Last, Borrowers Get Protection

If you have ever taken a mobile loan in Uganda—oluwa ku phone—then you know the stress. One minute you need quick money to boost stock, pay school fees, or sort a sudden emergency. The next minute, the loan app is calling your auntie in the village, your boss, even your ex. Some of them even enter your phone like they own it.

But things are changing. Finally.

FITSPA (the Financial Technology Service Providers Association of Uganda) has introduced a new binding Code of Conduct to clean up the digital lending space. And this time, the rules are on your side as a borrower.

For the first time, the industry has agreed on one simple principle: Customer protection comes first.

Before you even borrow lenders must check if you can actually repay

One of the big problems in Uganda’s digital lending boom has been the ease of borrowing. With just a few taps—loan approved. But behind that convenience, many people were sinking deeper into debt. 

A lender must now properly check:

• How much you earn

• Your existing debts

• Whether the new loan is realistic for your income

These are real affordability checks, based on regulator-approved debt-to-income ratios. No lender can push you into a loan you clearly cannot manage.

Even your credit limit must match your proven ability to repay.
And if they want to raise it automatically? They must prove you can handle it and get your consent. No more “surprise” increases so they say. Interestingly, I got a surprise increase today. I was not consulted. 

Everything must be clear before you click ‘Accept’

How many times have you taken a loan only to realise the charges were hiding somewhere in the fine print?

The Code ends that.

Before you accept any loan, the lender must show you—in plain language:

• The full loan amount

• What will actually be sent to your mobile money

• Interest and all fees

• Your repayment schedule

• Penalties

• Cooling-off terms (just in case you change your mind)

• How to report complaints

They must also tell you that your loan information will be sent to licensed credit reference bureaus.
No more secrets. No more “surprise deductions.”

Your phone is yours. Not your lender’s.

This is the part that made many Ugandans suffer silently.

Some digital lenders were accessing phonebooks, photos, WhatsApp groups—things that have nothing to do with your loan. And when someone delayed repaying, they would call relatives, bosses, neighbours, even church elders.

The new Code says ENOUGH.

From now on:

• They can only collect the data necessary for your loan

• Accessing your contacts, photos, or files is banned

• Sharing your data with third parties is prohibited

• Your privacy must be respected

Your phone belongs to you—not the lender.

Recoveries must respect your dignity

If you have ever received an embarrassing call from a debt collector, the new rules are written for you.

The Code bans:

• Threats and intimidation

• Abuse or insults

• Pretending to be police or government

• Calling at odd hours

• Public shaming—no calling your boss or family

A lender must use reputable agents, follow approved recovery policies, and treat you with dignity. And before they take legal action, they must send a proper written notice.

Advertising must be honest with no manipulative tricks

Some apps have been convincing people to borrow recklessly. Extra cash! Instant approval! Zero risk!
But the hidden terms were dangerous.

Under the new Code, advertising must be transparent. Lenders cannot mislead you, conceal key information, or pressure you into borrowing. And you should have a clear option to opt out of promotional messages.

Why this matters

Uganda’s digital lending ecosystem has been growing fast—too fast, sometimes. For many small business owners, these loans are a lifeline. But without rules, borrowers were left exposed.

This new Code is a reset.
A chance to rebuild trust.
A chance to make digital credit work for you, not against you.

It won’t solve everything overnight,  progress is slow but it’s a big step forward.

Borrowing should not come with shame, fear, or harassment.
And now, it no longer has to.

Myth or Medicine? Why Men Suckling Women’s Breasts Won’t Prevent Breast Cancer

 It’s one of those myths that just won’t go away. You’ve probably seen the claim circulating on social media or heard it whispered in a barbershop — that men suckling women’s breasts can somehow prevent breast cancer.

Now, the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has come out to set the record straight: there’s absolutely no scientific evidence to support this idea.

During a Breast Cancer Awareness Month event at the Uganda Media Center, Dr. Naghib Bogere, an oncologist at UCI, addressed the growing misinformation head-on. “We know that breastfeeding is one of the proven ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer,” he said. “The longer a woman breastfeeds, the more her breast cells mature, making them less likely to develop cancer. But these changes cannot happen if a husband is the one suckling the breasts.”

In other words — men, you can show your support in better ways.

Dr. Bogere explained that such myths may seem harmless, but they can actually prevent women from taking meaningful steps to protect their health. “Misinformation like this gives people false hope,” he warned. “It distracts from real prevention — like early screening and regular check-ups.”

He encouraged men to be allies in the fight against breast cancer by reminding their partners to examine their breasts monthly, watching out for any unusual lumps, pain, or discharge, and seeking medical help right away. “When breast cancer is detected early, up to 90% of cases can be successfully treated,” Dr. Bogere noted.

And here’s something many people don’t realize: men can get breast cancer too.
According to UCI data, about one in every 25 breast cancer patients in Uganda is male. “Men also have breast tissue and should not ignore changes in their chests,” Dr. Bogere said.

Throughout October, the Uganda Cancer Institute will hold free breast cancer screening camps and awareness drives across the country — an effort to promote early detection and counter the flood of misinformation that often circulates during awareness campaigns.

Dr. Jackson Orem, the Executive Director of UCI, emphasized that breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women in Uganda, with over 4,000 new cases each year. “Many of these women come to us too late,” he said. “We want to change that — and part of the solution is making sure the right information reaches the public.”

So, the next time you hear someone say men suckling women’s breasts prevents cancer, you’ll know the truth — it doesn’t. What really saves lives is knowledge, early screening, and timely treatment.