Kampala Writes Literature Festival for Uganda

The inaugural Kampala Writes Literature Festival will be hosted in Uganda’s capital from December 7 – 8, 2024. The festival theme is “Writing Our Truths: Commemorating Ugandan Literature.”

The Kampala Writes Literature Festival, the newest literary festival in East Africa, hopes to create a platform for authors, writers, and literature lovers to engage, support each other, and tackle vital conversations. This first one, curated by Goretti Kyomuhendo and supported by Goethe Institut and the Ugandan German Cultural Society, aims to commemorate Ugandan literature while laying a foundation for future editions. It will be hosted at the Onomo Hotel on Akii Bua Road.

“Welcome to the inaugural Kampala Writes LitFest, a celebration of Ugandan writers and storytelling. The festival is a platform for writers and book professionals to engage, showcase their work, and build connections. With the theme “Writing Our Truths: Commemorating Ugandan Literature” we present dynamic panels, writing workshops, storytelling, and live performances. Discussions will span topics like contemporary trends, short story conventions, publishing challenges, memoir writing, copyright protection, and nurturing young readers,” said Goretti Kyomuhendo. “Join us as we honour Ugandan voices and the power of authenticity in writing.”

Here are some of the highlights to look forward to.

Panels

1. Contemporary Writing Trends in Ugandamoderated by Precious Kemigisha, writer, editor, and publisher.
Panelists:

• Jerry Ssesanga (The Wasted Beauty)
• Davina Kavuma (Respect a Fool to Avoid Noise)
• Llyod Lutara (The Nagoye Tree)
• Margaret Maria Kemigisa (The Singing Tree of Kuku Forest)

2. Discovering Identity and Authenticity Through Memoir Writing moderated by Joan Mugenzi.
Panelists:

• Robert Katende (A Knight Without a Castle)
• Isaac Kalembe Akiiki (Omukama Cwa II Kabalega: A Life and Legacy: 1853–1923)
• Martha Kyoshaba Twinamasiko (Widows Wear Lipstick)
• Irene Birungi Mugisha (The CEO in You)

3. Book Publishing, Marketing, and Distribution in Uganda moderated by Crystal Rutangye-Bazirake (Scribe House)

Panelists:

• Dora Kemirimo Okuja (Rewritten Uganda)
• Charity Kwatampora (Ibua Publishers)
• David Kibuuka (Roots Publishers)

Workshops

• Masterclass: Enforcing and Protecting Writers’ Copyright by Charles Batambuze.
• Workshop: Conventions of Crafting a Good Short Story by Dilman Dila.

Dramatisations
Attendees can look forward to dramatizations of Ugandan classics such as:

• The Burdens by John Ruganda.
• Song of Lawino by Okot p’Bitek.
• Manchester Happened by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi.

Film Screening

There will be a screening of the Ugandan short film Mawe! by Malcolm Guy, an engaging story told with a distinctly Ugandan touch.

Book Sales

Book vendors will sell Ugandan literature, ensuring the festival stays true to its Ugandan theme.

So there you have it. If you are in Kampala, the Onomo Hotel on Akii Bua Road is the place to be on December 7 – 8.

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