Episodes

  • EP 25: The Fall of Benjamin Bol Mel: He Had It All… Then Kiir Took EVERYTHING.
    Nov 13 2025

    This episode of the Spark It Podcast dives deep into the shocking fall of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel. In a rapid series of presidential decrees, President Salva Kiir Mayardit removed, relieved, demoted, and dismissed Bol Mel from every position of power: Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Deputy Chairman of the SPLM, National Security Service, and even his rank as a full military General. We explore why Bol Mel rose so quickly — and why his fall was even faster. We explore loyalty, political immaturity, corruption allegations, Kiir’s power consolidation, internal SPLM dynamics, and what this fallout means for South Sudan’s future, business climate, and stability. Tune in to understand what really happened — and what comes next.

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • The Spark It Podcast EP 24: The Rise of King George and Chill Talk Podcast
    Nov 11 2025

    In this episode of The Spark It Podcast, we sit down with King George, the visionary, founder, and host of the Chill Talk Podcast, the most popular podcast in South Sudan. From growing up as a refugee in Uganda to becoming one of East Africa’s top podcast hosts, George shares his journey of resilience, creativity, and purpose. He opens up about starting from scratch, the power of consistency, and how he built a platform that amplifies South Sudanese voices and stories. Tune in for motivation, laughter, and powerful lessons on growth and community.

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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • The Spark It Podcast EP 23: Raila Odinga's Legacy and Kenya's Next Political Chapter │ Emmanuel Taban
    Oct 26 2025

    Following the passing of Raila Odinga, political analyst Emmanuel Taban examines how Kenya’s democracy icon shaped multi-party politics, constitutional reform in 2010, and a culture of peaceful protest. We revisit Raila’s calming “handshake” politics, including the recent broad-based arrangement with President William Ruto, and debate online reactions, kingpin dynamics, and ODM’s future leadership, from Edwin Sifuna to Babu Owino. The conversation weighs whether his absence strengthens citizen-led opposition after the 2024 Gen Z protests, and how it could reshape nominations, by-elections, and the 2027 race. Tune in to learn how Raila showed that change doesn’t require the presidency but that consistency, credibility, and country-first leadership can still move nations.

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    46 mins
  • The Spark It Podcast EP 22: Uganda Elections 2026: Ready for Change Or More of the Same?
    Oct 16 2025

    In this episode of The Spark It Podcast, we talk about the stability Uganda has enjoyed since 1986. We unpack President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s leadership style, the benefits and trade-offs of “security-first” rule, and how constitutional changes that removed term and age limits reshaped power and public trust. We explore rural and urban voter motivations, why opposition parties struggle to scale beyond cities, and ask whether real transition requires coalitions, stronger institutions, or both. With the 2026 Uganda elections around the corner, we dig into why both the ruling party and the opposition draw big crowds—and why that still doesn’t make the result predictable. We ask if Uganda can protect peace and widen freedoms at the same time, and who will lead this shift? Tune in for a candid conversation about Uganda’s next democratic test.

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    1 hr and 52 mins
  • The Spark It Podcast EP 21: Riek Machar Trial Explained │Emmanuel Taban
    Oct 7 2025

    In this episode of the Spark It Podcast, we break down the high-profile trial of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon. Political analyst Emmanuel Taban explains the 2025 Nasir clashes, alleged links to the White Army, charges against Machar (treason, murder, crimes against humanity), and why a special court and media access matter. We unpack the constitutional confusion between the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan (2011) and the 2018 Revitalized Agreement for Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). We also debate immunity claims, ask whether this is about justice or politics, and explore what this trial means for peace, elections, and judicial independence, as well as how citizens can engage responsibly.

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    47 mins
  • The Spark It Podcast EP 20: Girls' Education in South Sudan │Clara Joan Mullai
    Sep 27 2025

    In this episode of The Spark It Podcast, Clara Joan Mullai, a women's advocate, shares her life story as a girl from South Sudan who fought to stay in school. Clara speaks about early marriage, dowry norms, period poverty, and weak school systems, and her pastor father, who protected her from early marriage and championed her education. We discuss parental support, pads and basics, mentorship, and programs like Girls Education South Sudan (GESS), as well as her mantra of resilience, hope, and hard work. Listen to hear how educating girls can transform families and empower entire communities.

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    53 mins
  • The Spark It Podcast EP 19 Pt. 2: KK Rap Soldiers │ Patrick Chandiga Justine
    Sep 23 2025

    In this Spark It Podcast episode, KK Rap Soldiers from Koboko share raw truths about Uganda’s music scene, self-presentation, unity, and the importance of demanding fair pay from promoters. They hustle beyond the stage (boda boda) to fund better studios, visuals, and an EP. The crew salutes Homeboy Juston’s organizing, urges artists to negotiate together, and teases their hit “Painkiller,” with a video coming. They envision a homegrown label and studio to mentor talent, elevate West Nile hip-hop, and reach international stages. Expect lessons on resilience, friendship, and diversification, plus a call to support local artists and build a sustainable music culture.

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    46 mins
  • The Spark It Podcast EP 19 Pt. 1: KK Rap Soldiers │ Patrick Chandiga Justine
    Sep 7 2025

    In this episode of the Spark It Podcast, we sit down with the KK Rap Soldiers, the hottest rap group in Koboko, Uganda. Known for their hit single “Nobody”, which gained over 17,000 YouTube views in just six months, the trio shares their journey from dance crews to dominating the rap scene. Fadsam Faddy, Jaden Jecko, and Koffi Li open up about their struggles, inspirations, and what it takes to hustle as young artists in West Nile. From boda-boda hustle to music dreams, discover how they balance passion, survival, and culture in shaping the sound of a generation.

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    55 mins