On 9th October, Uganda celebrated 63 years of independence and as African Books Collective, we have come together in celebration of independent publishing strides Uganda has made. This blog article showcases powerful books that reflect Uganda’s past, present and glimpses of a future through biographies, fiction and books on Ugandan culture.
Biographies
My Life is but a Weaving by Rhoda Nakibuuka Nsibirwa Kalema (Moran Publishers, 2021)
Rhoda Kalema was a pioneer of the Uganda women’s rights movement and one of Uganda’s first women parliamentarians. Her biography offers the reader intimate insights into her life alongside Uganda’s evolving political landscape, a narrative that is at once personal, political and feminist.
A Fighting Man. A Political Life of Museveni, Volume I, c.1944-1986 by Xavier Ogena (Driberg Books Limited, Uganda)
This political biography of President Yoweri Museveni who has ruled Uganda since 1986 is an essential reading for anyone interested in the history and politics of postcolonial Uganda. Ogena traces Museveni’s journey from his childhood and education to his political radicalisation, early activism, and eventual rise to power.
Apollo Milton Obote. What Others Say. Edited by Omongole R. Anguria (Fountain Publishers, 2006)
Apollo Milton Obote, one of Uganda’s presidents remains a controversial and enigmatic figure- described as a nationalist, pan-Africanist, socialist, tribalistic, and the man who nurtured Idi Amin. This book comprises a collection of newspaper articles and commentaries by politicians, journalists and his family, relating to the man Ugandans love to hate. It includes contributions from Obote’s long time nemesis, President Museveni.
Flame and Song by Philippa Namutebi Kabali-Kagwa (Modjaji Books, 2016)
Kabali-Kagwa’s soul-warming memoir tells of a life enriched by song, literature, food and spirituality at the heart of a loving family. Born into a newly independent Uganda, she grew up in a volatile political landscape but never lacked the inspiration and protection of generations of friends and relatives. Her story travels from her expansive childhood homes in Uganda, to the novelties of living in Addis Ababa, before settling in Cape Town, her current home. But no matter how far her journeys take her, it’s clear that home is not only about places but people.
Sowing the Mustard Seed: The Struggle for Freedom and Democracy in Uganda by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (Moran Publishers, 2016)
In Sowing the Mustard Seed, the Ugandan President takes the reader on a tell-all journey of the sacrifice that he and other young Ugandans decided to take in order to liberate their country from the jaws of helplessness to which the first post-independence governments had conspired to consign it. Told in the first-person voice, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni traces the journey of his life from his first few months on earth, through his education, after which he and other patriots embarked on a journey of seeking empowerment to overthrow the despotic regime of Idi Amin Dada. It also delves into other wars, such as the long-drawn-out bid to neutralise Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army and professionalising the Ugandan army, after many years of sectarianism. Besides illuminating the struggles of the past, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni shares his vision for Uganda and the pillars he has over the years put in place as President to ensure Uganda’s future is secure both economically and socially.
African Culture: Contemporary commentary and reflections
Tips on Ugandan culture: A Visitor’s Guide by Shirley Cathy Byakutaaga (Fountain Publishers, 2006)
This practical handbook is perfect for anyone planning to visit Uganda. It explores key aspects of Ugandan sociocultural life, including language, Ugandan use of English, travel, shopping, the African concept of time, male- female relationships and social behaviour, safety tips and non-verbal communication.
What Died When We Lived by Jimmy Spire Ssentongo (Editor House Facility, 2025)
In this collection of essays, philosopher, columnist and cartoonist Jimmy Spire Ssentongo offers sharp, thought-provoking reflections on governance, society, and power in Uganda today. Lawyer and academic J. Oloka-Onyango praises the work as “an exemplar of decolonial dissent,” while Bishop Zac Niringiye notes its urgent call for Ugandans to take responsibility for transforming their country.
As I Stood Before the World. Creative Writing from Luzira Prison. Edited by Danson Kahyana, Bob G. Kisiki, Beatrice Lamwaka (PEN Uganda, 2025)
The stories and poems in this volume not only convey to us the degrading experience and defeated aspirations of the prisoners but also, quite often, the deep remorse felt about the past as well as the yearning to be re-absorbed in mainstream society.
The Power of Culture and Identity. Imbalu Initiation Ritual Among the Bamasaaba of Uganda by John Placid Wotsuna Khamalwa (Makerere University Press, 2018)
The book explores the depths of the Masaba imbalu initiation ritual in particular. It vividly describes the seven phases of imbalu. The place and role of women in imbalu has been brought into sharp focus in this edition. The author exposes the intricate and subtle symbolism behind the personages, items, actions and gestures to reveal the underlying themes of identity and power, both personal and communal, interwoven in this riveting ritual culture of the Bamasaaba of Eastern Uganda.
Makerere’s Century of Service to East Africa and Beyond, 1922-2022. Edited by A.B.K. Kasozi, Josephine Ahikire, Dominica Dipio, Helen Byamugisha, Isaac Tibasiima (Makerere University Press, 2024)
Makerere University is one of Africa’s longest standing education institutions. This book documents its history from 1922-2022 revealing its commitment, growth and challenges in delivering education, its alumni, and above all provides relevant lessons for all higher education institutions.
Uganda Literature
The Switch by Mary Karooro Okurut (Femrite Publications, 2016)
This novel tells the story of Chelimo, a young woman from Kapchorwa whose life is transformed after undergoing female genital mutilation. Her pain births activism, as she challenges patriarchal norms and fights for the rights of other women.
Going Solo by Hope Keshubi (Fountain Publishers, 1997)
Keshubi’s novel is a tale of modern Uganda. It follows the life of Doreen, a woman whose husband is abducted, and because of this, she is harassed by her brothers-in-law. Destitute, she trains as a teacher, and sets up a drama and music project. She uncovers the exploitation and corruption of two headmasters, and meets many complications, though never loses her energy and humour.
Footprints of the Outsider by Julius Ocwinyo (Fountain Publishers, 2002)
Abudu Olwit’s story mirrors the struggles of ordinary Ugandans caught between poverty, politics, and identity. From village life to urban aspirations and imprisonment, Ocwinyo explores themes of belonging, marginalisation, and the corrupting allure of power.
The Trouble Causer by Solomom Kabushenga (Fountain Publishers, 2007)
Set in south-western Uganda, this novel captures the tension between tradition and modernity through clan rivalries, superstition, and the moral choices of its characters. Kabushenga deftly portrays how ancestral beliefs continue to shape contemporary life and social relations.
