{"id":7678,"date":"2025-09-02T10:10:47","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T07:10:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuss.mak.ac.ug\/en\/?p=7678"},"modified":"2026-02-06T19:19:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T16:19:03","slug":"2nd-edition-of-the-kampala-writes-literature-festival-opens-at-makerere-calls-for-promotion-of-local-languages-to-preserve-african-identity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chuss.mak.ac.ug\/en\/2nd-edition-of-the-kampala-writes-literature-festival-opens-at-makerere-calls-for-promotion-of-local-languages-to-preserve-african-identity\/","title":{"rendered":"2nd Edition of the Kampala Writes Literature Festival opens at Makerere: Calls for Promotion of Local Languages to Preserve African Identity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

KAMPALA, UGANDA<\/strong> \u2013 Acclaimed Ugandan author and academic Dr. Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi has issued a call to action for the promotion of African languages, warning that their marginalization is leading to a deep cultural erosion across the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the  2nd<\/sup> edition of the Kampala Writes Literature Festival (August 15 -17th<\/sup>  2025) at Makerere University, Makumbi emphasized that indigenous languages are critical to African identity, belonging, and intellectual sovereignty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kampala Writes Literature Festival, now in its second edition, was organized by  Goethe-Zentrum Kampala, in partnership with Makerere University\u2019s  Department of Literature,  the British Council, the African Writers Trust and the German Embassy in Kampala. It aims to connect emerging writers with established voices and foster dialogue around African storytelling traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Held at Makerere University\u2019s Yusuf Lule Auditorium, the festival convened writers, poets, academics, and students including participants from the UK, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, and Ugandato explore the theme of Belonging<\/em> through speeches, panel discussions on publishing, diaspora identity, arts funding, and screenwriting; workshops for students and emerging writers; and public book fairs and performances<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The festival was officially opened by the Vice Chancellor Makerere University represented by Assoc. Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala who is also the Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking to a hall filled with students, academics, writers, and literary enthusiasts, Makumbi said Western languages, particularly English, have become both unifying and destructive forces. \u201cThese languages are wonderful because I can talk to everyone in Uganda and Anglophone Africa,\u201d she said. \u201cBut at the same time, these languages can be cannibalistic. They cannibalize our languages.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Makumbi warned that linguistic loss is accelerating globally, citing the disappearance of around 2,000 languages every month. She added that local languages in Uganda are increasingly being perceived as incapable of carrying \u201csophisticated thought.\u201d She expressed concern that African children are often pressured to learn English from birth, sidelining their mother tongues as less valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne day, all of us will speak English,\u201d she cautioned, \u201cand we will look back and realize what we lost\u2014our languages, our cultures, our ways of thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She began her address by paying tribute to literary forebears such as Ervania Namukwaya, Rose Mbowa, Joanita Maganda, and the late Mary Okurut, acknowledging she stood \u201con the shoulders of literary ancestors.\u201d Makumbi also praised Ugandan educators for maintaining strong syllabi in literature and history despite systemic challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Complex Nature of Belonging<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Makumbi explored the multi-layered concept of belonging, drawing on personal experiences from her school years at Trinity College Nabingo, her migration to the UK, and her literary journey. She recalled how linguistic and cultural divisions shaped student social groups, especially the dominance of Luganda over other regional languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She recounted how girls from western Uganda would form tight-knit circles based on language and food customs\u2014behaviors that were often misunderstood or mocked. Years later, living abroad, she found herself doing the same\u2014gravitating toward fellow Africans for connection and comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe were creating new belongings in the face of unbelonging,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Makumbi underscored that belonging is dynamic and deeply personal, rooted in identity and community. Citing scholars like Ishta Mehra and Radha Agrawal, she described belonging as \u201ca space of comfort and well-being\u201d essential in an increasingly globalized world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Storytelling as a Tool for Cultural Preservation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Makumbi positioned storytelling as central to the preservation of culture and identity. Citing Ng\u0169g\u0129 wa Thiong\u2019o\u2019s The River Between<\/em>, she explained how literature affirms cultural identity and offers readers an immersive sense of place and belonging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStories are the blood of belonging,\u201d she said. \u201cThey inform, educate, preserve culture, and inspire communities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She rejected the notion that Ugandans don\u2019t read, recalling a vibrant underground book-trading scene at Nabingo. She praised the hidden but thriving literary enthusiasm among Ugandan youth, which she argued crosses class and tribal lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Confronting Stereotypes and Shifting Notions of Home<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Makumbi also addressed the impact of stereotype threat<\/strong>\u2014the pressure to overachieve in order to disprove prejudice. She shared her experiences as a postgraduate student in the UK, where racial and cultural assumptions challenged her confidence until her academic success proved otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her keynote reflected a shift in her own understanding of \u201chome.\u201d For years, she longed to return to Uganda, saving money to build a house. But after nearly losing her UK residency due to travel limits on her visa, she was forced to reconsider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Prof. Helen Nkabala (2nd)and key speakers after the opening session of day 1 Photo by Josh Dago<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor the first time, I\u2019m making my flat in Manchester a place I want to come back home to\u2014rather than a point of transit,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though grateful for the opportunities she\u2019s found abroad, Makumbi remains critical of both Britain and Uganda. She challenged Ugandans to confront internal forms of exclusion\u2014whether based on tribe, language, gender, or class\u2014and to expand the nation\u2019s definitions of identity and community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dark Side of Belonging<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Makumbi warned of the “dark side“<\/strong> of belonging\u2014when inclusion comes at the cost of individuality or when social groups impose rigid expectations. She cited cases of ostracization, such as schoolgirls expelled after teenage pregnancies, or children of Ugandan immigrants in the West drawn into gangs as they search for protection and identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTwo boys destroyed\u2014one into a coffin, the other into prison\u2014because their parents were seeking belonging in the First World while the boys sought protection in gangs,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Makumbi argued that the need to belong can be exploited\u2014used to control, suppress, or exclude those who deviate from the group\u2019s norms. Even in families, belonging can be conditional, especially for women and firstborn children whose sacrifices often go unrecognized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Call to Reclaim Languages and Rethink Identity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Makumbi ended her keynote with a passionate appeal for Ugandans to reclaim their languages, cultures, and spaces\u2014and for institutions like Makerere University to lead the way. She stressed that language is not just a communication tool, but a vessel of history, identity, and cultural survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith our languages go our cultures,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd when we lose them, we lose not just words\u2014but worlds.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She called for inclusive educational policies, investment in local languages, and a society that values all its members regardless of background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBelonging is as essential as food, shelter, and safety. If we want a better Uganda, we must check ourselves on how we include and how we exclude.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As applause filled the hall, it was clear Makumbi had not merely delivered a keynote\u2014but sparked a national conversation on the future of language, identity, and what it truly means to belong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Makerere Celebrates Belonging and Literary Heritage- Prof. Helen Nkabala<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Representing Vice Chancellor at the opening ceremony, Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala emphasized the importance of the humanities in bridging society and science. She underscored Makerere\u2019s historical and ongoing role as a center of intellectual and cultural leadership in Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Prof. Helen Nkabala representing the Vice Chancellor during the opening ceremony Photo by Josh Dago<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are the bridge between society and science, between action and development,\u201d said Prof. Nkabala. \u201cWe are the vehicle of societal transformation. We are the heart and soul of this university.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nkabala expressed pride in the university\u2019s deep-rooted ties to African literature, dating back to the landmark 1962 Conference of African Writers of English Expression. She emphasized that the festival not only honors literary excellence but also reinforces the university\u2019s vision of being research-led and culturally grounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe gather here not just to attend this event, but as a community united by our shared passion for Ugandan and African literature,\u201d the Vice Chancellor stated. She called for stronger efforts to support writers and storytellers as agents of national and continental development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prof. Nkabala also lauded the participation of students and reminded them to seize the moment: \u201cThis is the best classroom our dear students will ever have. Learn. Pick up your intelligence and your talent. You are being nurtured by a village in this very room.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A panel of discussants during day 1 Photo credit Josh Dago<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A moment of silence was observed for African literary icons who passed away recently, including Ng\u0169g\u0129 wa Thiong\u2019o and Mary Karooro Okurut, as part of a tribute to their contributions to the African literary landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nkabala recognized the keynote speaker, and celebrated Ugandan author Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, whose presence was facilitated by the British Council. She described her  return to Makerere -her alma mater – as a homecoming and a reaffirmation of Uganda\u2019s place in global literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nkabala expressed hope that the festival will continue to foster dialogue between African writers on the continent and those in the diaspora, while strengthening the visibility of Uganda\u2019s literary sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prof. Nkabala acknowledged the team behnd the organization and appreciated all the partners and sponsors of the event and participants for honoring the invitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe define ourselves,\u201d Prof. Nkabala declared. \u201cWe are here to occupy the spaces that matter\u2014and that\u2019s how far we can go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Festival Encourages Ugandan Minds to Dream, Reflect, and Connect”-Dr. Aisha Nakiwala<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Representing Prof. Sauda Namyalo, Dean of the School of Languages, Literature, and Communication, Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, Head of the Department of Journalism and Communication, delivered a message that highlighted the broader cultural and educational impact of the festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Aisha Nakiwala representing the Dean Photo credit Josh Dago<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are very happy that the Department of Literature, in partnership with Goethe-Zentrum and the British Council, worked hard to reach this day,\u201d she said, reading Prof. Namyalo\u2019s speech. \u201cThis event not only supports our students\u2019 growth but also reminds us of the value of heritage, language, and imagination.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dean’s remarks praised Goretti Kyomuhendo for her role as curator and congratulated her on the upcoming launch of her new novel, Promises<\/em>, during the festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis festival encourages Ugandan minds to think about who we are, how we came to be, and what our country will look like even when we are no longer here,\u201d read the speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Nakiwala emphasized the significance of hosting writers from both Uganda and the diaspora, noting that it allows students to \u201cthink beyond borders\u201d and understand Uganda\u2019s place in a global literary context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is more than an event. It is a learning platform \u2014 a space where our own stories meet global narratives, and where we begin to see ourselves and our communities in a new light,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She closed by thanking the Department of Literature and festival partners for giving the university a rare opportunity to interact with the wider literary community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Literature is a Laboratory for the Human Condition” -Dr. Eve Nabulya:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In her welcoming address, Dr. Eve Nabulya, Head of the Department of Literature at Makerere, praised the festival\u2019s organizers and partners  including the Goethe-Zentrum Kampala, British Council Uganda, and the African Writers Trust  for their commitment to providing a platform for literary exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Evelyn Nabulya making her welcome remarks photo by Josh Dago<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause this festival is here, many of our students – the next generation of writers have gotten an opportunity to attend,\u201d she said, inviting the students in attendance to wave and be recognized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Nabulya paid special tribute to Prof. Susan Kiguli, who led Makerere\u2019s internal organizing committee, and to Prof. Helen Nkabala, Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, for supporting the department\u2019s role in hosting the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moving beyond acknowledgments, Dr. Nabulya offered a passionate defense of literature as a field of study, especially at a time when physical sciences are prioritized in education systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis year\u2019s theme of belonging<\/em> comes at a time when literature perhaps has the greatest urgency to explain why we exist,\u201d she said. \u201cStudents in Uganda often have to sacrifice a lot to pursue literature at O-level and A-level. Yet literature contributes enormously to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She described literary works as “stable hypothetical worlds” that function like laboratories where the human condition is observed and understood. \u201cYou can experiment with ideas in fiction, over and over, and arrive at deeper truths,\u201d she noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Nabulya concluded by encouraging writers present to continue producing work that serves both the reader and the critic. \u201cEven when people think you can\u2019t read Shakespeare to the water hyacinth,\u201d she said humorously, \u201cyou are still contributing to human development.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cStories Are the Bridge Between Home and Host Land\u201d- Goretti Kyomuhendo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Festival curator and founder of the African Writers Trust, Goretti Kyomuhendo, set the tone with an emotive and philosophical reflection on the power of storytelling to define and reclaim belonging in a fragmented world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBelonging is an essential human need\u2014the desire to be accepted, to be understood, to be connected,\u201d Kyomuhendo said. \u201cThrough literature, this concept is broadened. Stories become the bridge between home and host land.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Festival Curator Gorreti Kyomuhendo making her welcome remarks during the opening ceremony photo by Josh Dago<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kyomuhendo welcomed over 30 speakers, both local and international, including celebrated guests such as poet Nick Makoha from the UK, literary agent Mercy Mwiruki from Nairobi, Nigerian publisher Anuri, and Somali author Faduma, who visited Uganda for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She also celebrated Joshua Duwama, the 25-year-old Ugandan winner of the 2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize (Africa Region), calling him a beacon for emerging African voices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking on the festival\u2019s theme, she added: \u201cAs global displacement and nationalism rise, the question of where and how we belong has become urgent. This festival is as important as it is timely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kyomuhendo also teased several highlights, including keynote speeches, funding panels, and the launch of her own latest novel, adding humorously, \u201cYou better have faith in me. If you don\u2019t enjoy yourselves, well\u2014we\u2019ll organize another one next year!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cA Space for Writers to Gather and Engage\u201d- Sheila Akwany<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sheila Akwany, Director of Goethe-Zentrum Kampala and lead organizer of the festival, reflected on the motivation behind its founding, citing a gap in Uganda\u2019s literary scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere was just no space for writers to gather, to launch their work, to talk books, and to engage in peer-to-peer exchange,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u2019s the gap this festival seeks to fill.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Millicent and Akwany during day one Photo by Josh Dago<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Now in its second year, the festival has grown significantly, with more international partners and diverse programming. Akwany thanked Makerere University\u2019s Department of Literature, the British Council, and other collaborators who brought the event to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She also spoke personally on the theme of belonging, noting that even as an African, cultural differences across the continent can complicate the notion of home. \u201cIt\u2019s a very complex and complicated topic\u2014what does it mean to belong, and is it even a choice?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her remarks emphasized the value of literature as a meeting ground: \u201cWe\u2019ve tried to create a meaningful mix of programming for you this year\u2014from engaging panels to workshops and performances.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cBelonging Is Being Present Without Explanation\u201d – Millicent Mugabi<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Millicent Mugabi, British Council Country Director in Uganda, offered her own intimate perspective, linking the festival\u2019s theme to the British Council\u2019s broader mission to foster cultural connection and mutual understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBelonging, to me, means I can exist in a space and not have to explain myself,\u201d Mugabi said. \u201cIt means I don\u2019t need to justify who I am or why I am there. It is just me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She praised the collaborative vision of the festival team, particularly curator Goretti Kyomuhendo, and celebrated the British Council\u2019s role in facilitating the presence of keynote speaker Dr. Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, poet Nick Makoha, and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A section of participants attending the opening ceremony on day 1 Photo credit Josh Dago<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The festival, Mugabi noted, aligns with the British Council\u2019s Culture Connects<\/em> program, which uses the arts to \u201cspark dialogue and inspire change.\u201d She emphasized that the Council\u2019s cultural work thrives on partnerships: \u201cWe convene. We facilitate. But it\u2019s the partners and artists who do the work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mugabi encouraged all attendees seasoned writers and first-time readers alike to engage fully. \u201cLet this festival help us discover, rediscover, and reinforce our sense of belonging. And may we do so together. May these next few days offer not just inspiration, but connection. Not just ideas, but community. Not just books but belonging.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also watch the festival at:  https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=d2SN2KPgeiY<\/p>\n\n\n\n