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NPR People: Gwen Thompkins

Gwen Thompkins is East Africa Correspondent for NPR.

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Weekend Edition Sunday

Kingdom, Government Clash In Uganda

Published February 14, 2010 8:00 AM

This year has seen a violent reminder of Uganda's past: riots by those loyal to an ancient kingdom. The riots were sparked by a government decision to stop the liege of the once-powerful Buganda kingdom from traveling within his realm.

Morning Edition

Oil Find In Uganda Cause For Hope, Caution

Published February 3, 2010 12:01 AM

Experts say there's enough oil around Lake Albert to make Uganda a top producer in Africa. And if all goes well, Uganda will begin commercial production in the next year or two. But a lot can happen between striking oil and striking it rich. The people in the region are just hoping to be treated fairly.

Morning Edition

Ugandan Home Brews Result In More Than Hangovers

Published January 1, 2010 12:00 AM

Unregulated home-brewed alcoholic beverages in Uganda are ubiquitous and can be extremely potent. Drinking is a cultural tradition, and drunkenness is one of the few accepted vices. As a result, alcohol consumption there is a public, often deadly problem.

All Things Considered

In Kenya, Carjackings Spawn Driving Schools

Published December 22, 2009 4:00 PM

Carjackings are a fact of life in Kenya's capital, Nairobi. And anyone who takes to the road there risks being a victim. This particular crime has spawned a growing industry — defensive driving schools.

Tell Me More

Proposed Uganda Law: If You See A Homosexual, Call The Police

Published December 18, 2009 12:00 PM

The Ugandan Parliament is considering a bill that would increase penalties for homosexuality, in some cases making it punishable by death. Host Michel Martin talks to NPR's East Africa Correspondent Gwen Thompkins about reaction to the anti-gay bill, what its passage could mean for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in Uganda and the contested role a group of American Evangelical pastors have played in drumming up support for the bill

Morning Edition

Taboos Silence Opponents Of Uganda Anti-Gay Bill

Published December 16, 2009 12:00 AM

In Uganda, a bill designed to eradicate homosexuality has strong support in government and in evangelical circles. Proponents of the bill link homosexuality to the West. But despite condemnation elsewhere, few in the country are willing to speak against it because those who do are labeled gay.

All Things Considered

Suicide Attack Kills Somalia Ministers

Published December 3, 2009 4:00 PM

A suicide bomber dressed as a woman attacked a graduation ceremony in Somalia's capital, killing at least 14 people, including three Cabinet ministers. The attack underlines the inability of Somalia's weak government to control even the small patch of land it holds in Mogadishu.

Weekend Edition Saturday

Victims Of African Violence Sing For Justice

Published November 28, 2009 8:00 AM

The International Criminal Court has been actively pursuing cases involving some horrifying human atrocities in East Africa. But many of the victims can only find justice in a song.

All Things Considered

Wounds Of Post-Election Violence Still Raw In Kenya

Published November 10, 2009 2:20 PM

The International Criminal Court prosecutor wants to build a case against the instigators of deadly post-election ethnic clashes in Kenya that began in December 2007 and continued into 2008. Many ordinary Kenyans welcome international intervention, saying Kenya's coalition government has failed to pursue those guilty of violence that killed more than 1,000.

All Things Considered

After Sudan's Civil War, Where The Wild Things Are

Published October 14, 2009 10:34 AM

For more than 20 years, southern Sudan was a war zone. But the conflict was not as devastating to the animals of Boma National Park as believed. The park is teeming with wildlife, raising hopes that it could attract eco-minded tourists and create badly needed local jobs. But the area is so remote that it would take a major investment to bring creature comforts to a land of prickly acacia trees, tall grass and cattails.

Morning Edition

Arrest For Wearing Pants Galvanizes Women In Sudan

Published October 13, 2009 6:00 AM

In July, Sudanese journalist Lubna Ahmed Hussein was arrested in Khartoum under the nation's decency law and was ultimately convicted of wearing trousers at a nightclub. Her arrest turned her into a women's rights activist, and fired up other women who seek to change the nation's criminal code.

Weekend Edition Saturday

In Darfur, Absence Of Fighting Doesn't Equal Peace

Published September 26, 2009 7:51 AM

U.S. and international officials say the situation in Sudan's war-torn region of Darfur is improving, but that is little comfort to Darfur refugees, who have a very different perspective. Outright war may have halted for now, but violence, insecurity and extreme privation remain.

Morning Edition

In Kenya, Tea Auction Steeped In Tradition, Gentility

Published September 16, 2009 12:44 AM

Kenya exports more black tea than any country in the world. By tradition, East African tea sells at auction in the port city of Mombasa, where traders and brokers come together at the Mombasa Tea Auction and, ever so politely, move an enormous amount of black tea around the world.

All Things Considered

Water Delivery Man Has Fans In Parched Nairobi

Published August 29, 2009 4:00 PM

A four-year drought has left millions of Kenyans thirsty. In the slums of the capital, Nairobi, taps have run dry — and the guy who trucks in water is now a neighborhood celebrity.

All Things Considered

Clinton Vows Expanded Aid To Somalia

Published August 6, 2009 4:00 PM

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met Thursday with Somali President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed and warned that the Islamist extremists who control much of the country are linked to al-Qaida and want to use Somalia as a base to attack other countries "near and far." Ahmed is appealing for more help in delivering basic services to his people.

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