Uganda Poetry Society
| Abbreviation | UPS |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2024 |
| Type | Literary organization |
| Headquarters | Kampala, Uganda |
| Website | https://ugandapoetrysociety.org |
The Uganda Poetry Society (UPS) is a Ugandan literary organization dedicated to the promotion, development, and global visibility of Ugandan poetry. It represents Ugandan poetry nationally and internationally and participates in a broader global movement of contemporary poetry.[1] Founded in 2024, the society organizes workshops, performances, youth programs, and administers the Dr. Ivan Edwards Poetry Award.[2][3]
History
The Uganda Poetry Society emerged as a collective of poets seeking to strengthen Uganda's literary identity through cooperation and collaboration.[2] The society expanded its activities, including weekly poem features, book reviews, podcasts, visiting poet initiatives, and literary dialogues.[4]
UPS's emergence coincided with a renewed interest in Ugandan poetry, building on traditions shaped by Okot p'Bitek and revitalized by modern collectives such as the Lantern Meet of Poets.[5]
The society is a hub for poets across Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and beyond.[6][2]
Media coverage has noted UPS’s increasing regional visibility, citing its new partnerships and expanded programming.[7]
Leadership
Helm
The society's president is Philip Matogo.[6] The vice president is Dr. Ampat Varghese Koshy.[8] They are assisted "by a cadre of dedicated intellectuals."[7]
Patron
The society's patron is Prof. Timothy Wangusa, a Ugandan poet, novelist, academic, and former cabinet minister.[2]
Programs and Activities
UPS operates a range of literary initiatives, including:
- Poem of the Week features
- Book reviews and literary podcasts
- Visiting poet programs
- Interviews and literary dialogues
- Youth poetry development
- Songs of Kiguli, a cross-cultural project involving children in Uganda and the United States.[4][5]
Partnerships
A 2026 Watchdog Uganda report noted that the Uganda Poetry Society formed a partnership with the Kampala Film School to support collaboration between poets and filmmakers, reflecting the Society’s efforts to expand interdisciplinary creative opportunities.[7]
Award
The Dr. Ivan Edwards Poetry Award is the society's annual prize and is one of the highest-value poetry awards in East and Central Africa.[2][7] Initially open to Ugandans, the award is planned to broaden to continental and global participation. Announced in late 2025 and to be awarded in 2026, the prize currently totals US$1,200, with US$1,000 for adults and US$200 for youth under 18.[2][9][5]
The award is viewed as enhancing UPS’s capacity to support emerging poets and promote sustained literary development in the region.[7]
Purpose and Theme
The award was created to "elevate[s] Ugandan talent to global stages"[10] and encourage Ugandans to “pour out their brilliance” and prevent creative potential from remaining unrealized.[4] The inaugural theme is Unity.[10][11]
Regional media coverage highlighted Unity as symbolically significant in a region" shaped by diverse histories and identities."[7]
There is no entry fee, an incentive for marginalized communities to participate.[9]
Submission Formats
Submissions may be either:
- a two-minute spoken word performance video
- a written poem of up to 500 words[5]
Honoree
The award is named after Dr. Ivan Edwards, a Ugandan-born American physician, USAF Reserve Flight Surgeon (Lt Colonel), minister, and poet.[2][5]
Judging Panel
The judging panel includes:
- Dr. Stella Nyanzi — scholar, poet, activist
- Jesse Unoh — storyteller and poet
- Dr. Ampat Varghese Koshy — critic, poet, educator
- Joanita Atuhaire — poet
- Philip Matogo — columnist, writer, poet (ex officio)
- Alex White, PhD — historian and editor (ex officio)[2][10][11]
Impact and Reception
Ugandan and regional media have noted UPS's growing role in the East African literary culture and beyond.[9][5]
Watchdog Uganda described the Society as part of a wider resurgence of contemporary poetry in East Africa, noting its growing visibility, new partnerships, and expanding regional influence.[7]
External links
References
- ^ "About The Uganda Poetry Society". The Uganda Poetry Society. Retrieved 2025-12-27.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Tusiime, Apollo (2025-12-23). "Opinion: Uganda Poetry Society Ushers in a New Era of Literary Pride". Sabasaba Updates – News As It Happens. Retrieved 2025-12-27.
- ^ "What is the Uganda Poetry Society?". The Uganda Poetry Society. Retrieved 2025-12-27.
- ^ a b c Kabuubi, Ronald. "Uganda Poetry Society Expands Poetry Award to $1,200, Urges Ugandans to "Pour Out Their Brilliance"". KMA News Updates. Retrieved 2025-12-27.
- ^ a b c d e f Kabuubi, Ronald. "Voices of Unity: Uganda's New Poetry Prize". KMA News Update. Retrieved 2025-12-27.
- ^ a b Bernard, David. "Uganda's Intellectual Giant: The Poet Who Builds Where Others Break". Muwado. Retrieved 2025-12-27.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Uganda Poetry Society Charts Bold New Path". WATCHDOG NEWS. 2026-01-10. Retrieved 2026-01-11.
- ^ "Uganda Poetry Society". Uganda Poetry Society. Retrieved 2025-12-27.
- ^ a b c "Uganda Poetry Society Breaks Barriers with Free Entry Poetry Award". Eyewitness News. 2025-12-23. Retrieved 2025-12-28.
- ^ a b c "Introducing The Dr. Ivan Edwards Poetry Award: A New Literary Honor for Ugandan Poets". Fatuma's Voice. Retrieved 2025-12-28.
- ^ a b Kabuubi, Ronald (2025-11-28). "Uganda Poetry Society Launches The Dr. Ivan Edwards Poetry Award 2026". KMA News Updates. Retrieved 2025-12-28.