(This article was first published in the New Vision on July 27, 2022)
Compiled by Titus Kakembo, Denis Nsubuga and Ivan Tsebeni
Lively scenes of students performing poems, traditional dances and glowing tributes characterised an event held to mark the belated birthday of celebrated author Timothy Wangusa — the first Ugandan to get a PhD from Makerere University.
The event, which saw Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility auditorium at Makerere University filled to capacity on July 8, was held to celebrate Wangusa’s 80th birthday and to unveil his latest books.
The books include I love You, You Beast, a novel in which he shares his reflections on faith and literature between 1969 and 2009, Lost in Wonder, his autobiography, Pathfinders’ footprints, a collection of poems and Niyaanga Nelaliila – a translation of his autobiography into Lumasaba.
During the event, the attendees, including secondary school and university students, academics, writers and readers, were filled with delight as they watched poetry performances and listened to speakers praising Wangusa for his influence on the Ugandan literary landscape.
Reflecting on his popular 1989 novel, Upon this Mountain and his latest books, the guests discussed Wangusa’s body of knowledge and contribution to literature and humanities as students performed his poems and staged plays — He longs to return to Butiru, Bishop of Cows and Song of a Cow.
Wangusa, who was born on May 20, 1942 in Butiru sub-county, Manafwa district, also has poem collections published under titles like A Pattern of dust, Anthem for Africa, Africa’s New Brood and Bilomelele Bye Lukingi Masaaba.
Several speakers lauded Wangusa for his ability to deliver his ideas in a way that allows them to speak to various communities and generations.
The deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs at Makerere University, Dr Umar Kakumba, said Wangusa’s poetic prowess allows Ugandans to reflect on the country’s past.
He added that some of Wangusa’s poems, such as Psalm 23 part II, which opens with the line, “the state is my shepherd”, have been widely quoted. The poem, Kakumba said, evokes memories of president Idi Amin’s regime.
“The social commentary in his work, particularly in his poems, appeals to the most ordinary of us, and of course, the humour keeps readers and listeners going,” he added.
Kakumba said Wangusa continues to demonstrate the importance of research and writing, which Makerere seeks to get entrenched into the Ugandan society as a culture.
The principal of the college of humanities and social sciences at Makerere University, associate professor Josephine Ahikire, described Wangusa as a person of “many firsts”, who distinguished himself in several areas.
In 1975, he became the first Ugandan to earn a PhD (in Literature) from Makerere since 1970, when the institution assumed independence from the University of East Africa. In 1981, Ahikire said Wangusa became the first professor of Literature at Makerere University.
Austin Bukenya, a poet and playwright, said Wangusa’s success in the writing field demonstrates that all disciplines are useful. Bukenya, who argued that Literature equips people with skills to communicate effectively and build decent relations, also said Wangusu has remained connected to his roots in Bugisu.
The head of the university’s literature department, Dr Edgar Nabutanyi, said Wangusa triggers lively academic debates through his works.
“Upon This Mountain is now a literature set book with a story that everyone can identify with through Abraham‘s experience,” Nabutanyi said. He added that Wangusa made their literature class at Makerere University “interesting” when he bought the students soda in the 1970s. At that time, essential commodities were scarce.
In his speech, Wangusa said he started to appreciate the “economy of words at the age of ten on the slopes of Mt Elgon, where a priest always told the congregation, Banabange mwagalane nga (my children, love one another)”.
This, he added, allowed him to treasure the dynamic nature of local languages, which enabled him to pass an interview for admission to Nabumali High School.
“There was a downpour that left me drenched and shivering on the day I was going to do an oral interview,” Wangusa said.
“The first question asked (by the interview panel) was – How are you?”
Wangusa said he answered the question with one word, “Freezing.” Thereafter, the interview panel told him that he passed the test and subsequently admitted him.
From Nabumali High School, Wangusa attended King’s College Budo for A’level.
Fact Box
- 1967: BA in English, University of East Africa, Makerere
- 1969: MA in English, University of Leeds, UK
- 1968: Postgraduate diploma in English studies, University of Leeds
- 1969-1980: Literature Lecturer, Makerere University
- 1975: PhD in Literature – first PhD to be awarded by Makerere University
- 1980-1981: Associate professor in Literature, Makerere University
- 1981-2001: Professor of Literature, Makerere University
- 1981-1984: Head of Department of Literature, Makerere University
- 1984-1985: Dean, faculty of arts, Makerere University
- 1985-1986: Minister of education and sports l 1989- 1996: Member of Parliament representing Bubulo County in Mbale
- 2001: President, International PEN Uganda Centre
- 2001-2017: Presidential advisor on literacy affairs
- 2002-2003: Vic-chancellor for Kumi University
- 2003-2017: Research/visiting professor, Uganda Christian University
- 2017-2020: Professor of Literature, Bishop Stuart University
- 2019-2021: Part-time professor of Literature, Uganda Christian University
Others Speak Out
Prof Arthur Gakwandi, author of the Kosiya Kifefe novel
Because Wangusa attended King’s College Budo and I came from Ntare, he was superior in mannerism and dress code when we met in 1965 at Makerere University. Together, we edited The Makererean. That is when I discovered his love for words. We published a poem in a tabloid or magazine once in a while as a hobby. I went into exile, but Wangusa managed to live with Idi Amin Dada. He saw it all.
Dr Okello Ogwang, Makerere University deputy vice-chancellor (academic affairs)
Prof. Wangusa got me impressed with the works of TS Elliot (deceased American poet). He mysteriously pointed out the wordplay and identified the hidden meaning in his work. It hit me like a punchline. Wangusa has made poetry acceptable and appreciated in Uganda.
James Ametre, Literature lecturer
Wangusa’s novels continue to play a huge role in exposing religious hypocrisy in society.
Elizabeth Kharono, former Literature lecturer
Through interaction with Wangusa, I have come to appreciate his style, consistency and commitment. It makes me appreciate the use of words to change mindsets. Wangusa has glamourised the Gishu culture the way Okot p’ Bitek did with the Acholi and Chinua Achebe with the Ibo. He is in the ranks of Ngugi Wa Thiongo and Wole Soyinka
