Grab A Coffee
'Grab a coffee' is the premier political, social and economic podcast of the East African region. It delves into analysis of contemporary news stories from the region and provides interviews of leaders across business, politics, industry and society.
Grab A Coffee: Tourism MSME's And Finance Access
Send us Fan Mail
Tourism employs close to a million Ugandans, and provides 6% of Uganda's GDP. It is a major forex earner and part of Uganda's four paths to structural economic development. Yet, inspite of this, majority of the tourism businesses, are unable to access patient, long term, low-interest loans for their businesses.
In this special episode, at a panel, Grab A coffee probes the access to finance for Tourism MSME's
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: Investment For Financial Planning With Old Mutual MD - Zac Kisesi
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, we Grab A Coffee with the Managing Director of the Old Mutual Investment Group Zac Kisesi and speak to him about investment as part of financial planning.
Uganda has a uniquely young population keen on financial independence and a high quality of life, but to achieve that requires rigorous financial discipline backed by an investment manager keen and capable of meeting these needs.
We explore the portfolio of the Old Mutual Investment Group and their offering to investors.
Support the show
Grab A Coffee; The Founder's Budget Brief
Send us Fan Mail
In the second episode of the Founder's Budget Brief; Raymond and Simon sit with Ugandan entrepreneurs to discuss the operating environment in which the Ugandan startup eco-system is operating.
They speak at length about working with government and how the Start up ecosystem can benefit from the government national budget.
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: The Founder's Budget Brief
Send us Fan Mail
Uganda's 83 trilllion shillings Budget read in June is often the start of an economic cycle in which government dictates it's most important activities. In this special edition of Grab A Coffee, hosted with The Start Up Uganda, we discuss how much of that budget responds to the needs of start ups in Uganda and whether the Start-ups are prepared to take initiative with government in solving for the biggest problems they face.
The episode is recorded from The Hive Colab, an ecosystem for founders. It features officials from the Ministry of Fi...
Grab A Coffee: Exclusive Interview With Jan Sadek Part 2
Send us Fan Mail
EU Ambassador to Uganda , Jan Sadek makes the hosts a cup of coffee in his kitchen as they dive into his biographical profile, walking us through his childhood, passions, family, hobbies and his time in Uganda.
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: Exclusive Interview with EU Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek
Send us Fan Mail
In our interview with the EU ambassador Jan Sadek, we explore the 50-year relationship between Uganda and the EU. This conversation explores that relationship and the popular misconceptions about the EU.
Jan explains the Global Gateway Initiative, diplomatic Communication in the digital age, governance, democracy, and market access for Ugandan products to the EU.
Support the show
Grab A Coffee : How Does Science, Technology & Innovation Build The Economy
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, we grab a coffee with Hon. Dr. Musenero Monica (Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation) to discuss how Science, Technology, and Innovation build Uganda’s economy.
Support the show
Grab A Coffee : Unpacking Life & Health Insurance in Uganda
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode , we grab a Coffee with Eugine Mutekhele - C E.O Jubilee Life Insurance Uganda and unpack important conversations shaping the Insurance industry in Uganda and his leadership journey.
Support the show
Grab A Coffee : How Do We Fix Kampala?
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, we host Amanda Ngabirano- a seasoned Ugandan urban planner and academic, who is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Architecture & Physical Planning in the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology at Makerere University
She talks about fixing Kampala: How to get it right.
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: The Match Between Traditional & New Media
Send us Fan Mail
Brian Mulondo, C.E.O - Garage Group, discusses the match between Traditional media & New media.
How can we adopt & monetize new forms of media?
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: Uganda's Innovation Ecosystem Part 2
Send us Fan Mail
On the 2nd episode of Uganda's Innovation Ecosystem, we have a chat with Mago Hasfa -the founder of 'Read to Learn', a nonprofit focused on early literacy development for children. She is also a social innovator and author of children’s books.
What does it actually take for innovation to contribute to national development, not just in theory, but in practice, and at scale?
Support the show
Grab A Coffee : Uganda's Innovation Eco-system
Send us Fan Mail
In this session, we host Kenneth Muhangi from KTA Advocates. He specializes in intellectual property, technology, media, telecommunications & dispute resolution. Kenneth discusses a sharp question: What does it actually take for innovation to contribute to national development, not just in theory, but in practice, at scale?
Uganda has innovators. That is not the problem. The gap is structural. Promising products never reach the market because the people behind them cannot access finance, cannot navigate the path from prototype to mass production, and have no framework for protecting what they have created. I...
Grab A Coffee: Central Bank Decisions & Everyday Finances Part 2
Send us Fan Mail
This is the 2nd part of our conversation with Professor Augustus Nuwagaba, the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda (BOU), who shares insights into how central banking decisions influence everyday finances, from interest rates to loan accessibility and digital payment affordability.
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: Central Bank Decisions & Everyday Finances
Send us Fan Mail
Professor Augustus Nuwagaba (Deputy Governor- Bank of Uganda) shares insights into how central banking decisions influence everyday finances, from interest rates to loan accessibility and digital payment affordability.
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: The Absa Bank Uganda CEO, David Wandera
Send us Fan Mail
David Wandera is nearly a year into his role as the CEO of ABSA Bank Uganda. It is a role that sees him sit at the helm of one of Uganda's largest financial institutions with a wide reach in both economic and structural areas of the country.
In this episode, we grab a coffee with him on a range of issues; the cost of money, the mortgage problem, the role that commercial banks play in the economy and the cost of living -
We also speak about his own pr...
Grab A Coffee: The Race For Uganda's Speakership Role
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, Simon and Raymond discuss the developments in the race for the speakership of Uganda’s parliament that has pitted Anita Among, the NRM Vice Chairperson against Norbert Mao, the Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister.
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: Yurii Tokar On Ukraine's Quest For Solidarity in Africa
Send us Fan Mail
In this special edition of the Grab A Coffee podcast, we dive deep into the situation in Ukraine. From the devastation of war, drawing parallels between Ukraine and African countries.
We task Ukraine’s Ambassador to East Africa, Yurii Tokar , on his country’s interest in deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with Uganda and other African countries.
A Ukrainian scholar joins in to share some more perspective on another front of the war - the cultural front!
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: The Turbulence Shaking Uganda Airlines
Send us Fan Mail
In the episode, Simon and Raymond discuss the fast-developing story at Uganda Airlines where an advert has been put out for a new CEO.
The airline which has been running bumpy operations is in fresh spotlight as the President seeks to fix the governance challenges seated at its heart.
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: The 2026 Uganda Elections!
Send us Fan Mail
This is our take on how the recently concluded Uganda elections went down.
In line with Article 61(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the Electoral Commission appointed the dates (15th January to 30th January) for the elections of President; Members of Parliament and Local Government Councils (City/District; Municipality/City Division; and Sub County, Town, Municipal Division), including Councilors representing Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
A lot has happened since we began this exercise, and we have highlighted the major events in this episode
Support the...
Grab A Coffee: Amos Wekesa On Promoting Uganda's Tourism Beyond The Brochure
Send us Fan Mail
Amos Masaba Wekesa is a businessman, entrepreneur, and corporate executive in Uganda, who is the founder, proprietor, and managing director of Great Lakes Safaris Limited, a tour operating company, in the African Great Lakes region. His conglomerate of related tour businesses grosses an estimated US$8 million annually and employs more than 250 people.
In this episode, we discuss promoting Uganda's vast tourism potential, understanding tourism's economic impact, and developing local tourism infrastructure beyond the brochure.
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: The Politics Of Common Sense With David FK. Mpanga
Send us Fan Mail
On this episode, we have a conversation with David FK.Mpanga - author of ''The Politics Of Common Sense.''
This is a book of time. It travels through Uganda’s past, the present, and the future, one article at a time. Mpanga's concern for Ugandans to take part in the affairs of their country is a huge part of the book. It is on this foundation that he builds the body of the book.
''Some things are not political statements; they just require common sense.'' The rhetorical que...
Grab A Coffee: In Conversation With Uganda's Most Prominent Rising Artist - Joshua Baraka
Send us Fan Mail
This episode features fast-rising Ugandan artist Joshua Baraka. We probe what it's like to take the Ugandan sound to a global stage.
Joshua Baraka is a Ugandan singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who has become one of East Africa's most prominent new artists. He is known for his unique musical style, which blends Afrobeat, R&B, and dancehall, and for his breakout 2023 hit, "Nana". Baraka also writes and produces his own music and has collaborated with several other major African artists, such as Joeboy, Bien, and King Promise.
Support the...
In Conversation with Lauren Landis - Country Director, World Food Program Part 2
Send us Fan Mail
Uganda's 14.3 million school population could massively benefit from a robust school feeding program. The food could be produced by community farmers and supplied and distributed locally. This is a model that WFP knows all too well, with their Karamoja feeds Karamoja program.
In this special episode, we Grab A Coffee with the new WFP Country Director, Lauren Landis, and explore the possibilities of a national school feeding program.
Support the show
How Do We Feed Uganda’s School Children?
Send us Fan Mail
Uganda's 14.3 million school population could massively benefit from a robust school feeding program. The food could be produced by community farmers and supplied and distributed locally. This is a model WFP knows all to well with their Karamoja feeds Karamoja program.
In this special episode, we Grab A Coffee with the new WFP Country Director Lauren Landis and explore the possibilities of a national school feeding program.
Support the show
Grab A Coffee :On The Presidential Manifestos & Campaign Season
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
On The Presidential Nominations, Campaign Promises & Politics In Uganda
Send us Fan Mail
The Ugandan electoral commission has nominated 8 candidates, all male, to run for the country's most coveted political position. The nominees, who include the incumbent Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, his rival Robert Kyagulanyi, former Army commander Mugisha Muntu and legacy parliamentarian Nathan Nandala Mafabi among others kick start a three month campaign period to convince 20 milllion voters of their credentials.
But in a restrictive political environment that has been dominated by kidnaps, arrests and the use of money to campaign, the race seems to be all for the ruling party NRM to snatch d...
Special Episode: Navigating Press Freedom In Electoral Periods
Send us Fan Mail
Uganda’s budding democracy wil celebrate 30 years of the 1995 constitution this year.
Under the 1995 constitution, Uganda has robustly grown its democratic credentials creating a bill of rights, representation for women, the rule of law and separation of powers.
However, subsequent electoral periods have proven a challenge with increased political competition leading to clampdowns and declining civil and political rights.
In this special episode of Grab A Coffee, held on the International day of democracy in conjunction with The EU and The Swedish embassy, Simon and Raymond probe the q...
Grab A Coffee; On Israel Striking Qatar, Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine & Aga Khan Visit To Uganda
Send us Fan Mail
Simon and Raymond discuss the Israeli escalation of conflict with the bombing of Qatar which happened a few meters from the Ugandan embassy. They alaos talk about the shooting down of Russian drones in Warsaw and the war in Ukraine.
In the second half, they talk about the arrest of NUP leaders, the visit of the Aga Khan and what it means.
Like subscribe and share this podcast
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: On NRM CEC Elections
Send us Fan Mail
Uganda's ruling party, NRM has held it's Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections. CEC is the party's highest decision making organ.
In this edition Simon and Raymond discuss the outcome of the elections and the quality of the new CEC. All incumbents subjected to an election in CEC were defeated and the party resolved to keep the Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship unopposed.
Will the new CEC deliver on NRM's ambition to drive a ten-fold growth strategy? Will it address the growing pains of the country from unemployment to...
In Conversation with Tetteh Ayitevie - CEO Prudential Uganda (Part 2)
Send us Fan Mail
Mr. Tetteh Ayitevie, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Uganda has over 20 years industry experience with varied roles in Sales Management, Operations and Strategy in both Life insurance and pensions management.
Prior to his most recent role as the Chief Executive Officer for Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, Mr. Ayitevie was the Chief Distribution Officer from 2012 to 2019. Mr. Ayitevie is a Chartered Insurer (ACII, UK).
Support the show
In Conversation with Tetteh Ayitevie - CEO Prudential Uganda (Part 1)
Send us Fan Mail
Mr. Tetteh Ayitevie, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Uganda has over 20 years industry experience with varied roles in Sales Management, Operations and Strategy in both Life insurance and pensions management.
Prior to his most recent role as the Chief Executive Officer for Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, Mr. Ayitevie was the Chief Distribution Officer from 2012 to 2019. Mr. Ayitevie is a Chartered Insurer (ACII, UK).
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: On Political Pluralism, Uganda Cranes & Infrastructure
Send us Fan Mail
Simon and Raymond explore whether political pluralism is possible in an increasingly radicalised political atmosphere.
They talk about the horrible display of the Cranes in their first game at CHAN and also talk about the new drive from the President to send money towards infrastructure like roads. Will it succeed? Or will it, as with previous attempts be a drag?
Follow, like, subscribe and share
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: Uganda - Kenya Relations, Gazelles' Success & Africa's Position On Gaza
Send us Fan Mail
Uganda has signed a record 25 MOU's with it's sea-access neighbor, Kenya. This is the highest number of MOUs and most encompassing relationship across sectors between two countries in the EAC, we try and explain why that is.
We explain the success of the Gazelles at the continental level and why a growing detachment is happening to the traditional national sport, football.
In the last half, we probe why the world hasn't been listening to Africa's position on the two state solution in light of new recognitions for the State of...
Grab A Coffee : In Conversation With Ugandan Top Musician - Azawi
Send us Fan Mail
Priscilla Zawedde, also known as Azawi, is a Ugandan singer–songwriter signed to the Swangz Avenue record label.
Her music genre is Afrobeats in both Luganda and English. She became the first female Ugandan act to appear on the New York Times Square and the Los Angeles billboard.
In this, the 3rd and last of the three episodes from the Live recording of the Grab A Coffee podcast, we engaged with a youthful icon of Uganda’s music industry, Azawi, real name Priscilla Zawedde.
No doubt Uganda's music...
Grab A Coffee: In Conversation With Former Attorney General, Fred Ruhindi
Send us Fan Mail
Fred Ruhindi was Uganda's Attorney General at a pivotal time in the nation's politics. He had a front row seat to the government's highest planning authority; Cabinet and an influential voice in shaping it's outcomes.
In this episode, we interview him during our live recording to glean what he thinks of the current political, social and economic outcomes of the government he served. We ask him about the social anxieties that are faced by young people from political (mis)management and we also talk a bit about lifestyle.
...Grab A Coffee: On The Complex Issue Of The Balaalo , The Explosive Kenya Riots & The Political Campaign Season
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, Simon and Raymond take a hard look at the tumultuous landscape of Kenya, East Africa’s largest economy, with a dissection of the explosive riots of July 7th, 2025, and a deep dive into what's fueling the unrest and what's at stake for the region's stability.
Talking stability, Simon and Raymond turn the spotlight on Northern Uganda, and explore the complex and often contentious issue of the Balaalo, where pastoralism and land use are testing the limits of community relations.
As the silly season of political campaigns desc...
Grab A Coffee; In Conversation With Ramathan Ggoobi, Secretary To The Treasury
Send us Fan Mail
Ramathan Ggoobi is the steady hand behind managing government expenditure. His office sits at the arc of economic development and financial realities.
In this episode, from the live recording, Simon and Raymond talk to him about that and about the anxieties in the national economy
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: On Nominations, Quality Of Ugandan Politics & Iran-Israel Escalation
Send us Fan Mail
In this Episode, Raymond and Simon analyse the declining quality of politics and politicians that are being fronted by both the ruling party and the opposition in parliament.
You can get tickets to the live recording on 28th here: https://www.quicket.co.ug/events/319475-grab-a-coffee-podcast-live-recording
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: In Conversation With the Governor, Central Bank (Part 2)
Send us Fan Mail
At heart, Michael Atingi Ego, the Governor of the Central Bank of Uganda is a humble man. He keeps a strict routine that ranges from morning exercise to prayer.
In this episode, Raymond and Simon get to know him personally as he brews them coffee from his kitchen.
Support the show
Grab A Coffee: In Conversation With the Governor, Central Bank (Part 1)
Send us Fan Mail
Michael Atingi Ego, the governor of Uganda's central bank wrote his Master's Thesis on the cost of capital, now he leads an institution that formulates monetary policy and guarantees fiscal Stability.
In this episode Simon and Raymond ask him what can be done to lower the cost of capital for small businesses? how can mortgage rates come down? What can the central bank do to improve business climate and we also talk about his love for football, exercise and gospel music.
Follow, subscribe and share the p...
