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In celebration of World Poetry Day, which falls on March 21, Alliance Française hosted a captivating panel discussion and recitations featuring esteemed poets and literary scholars. 

The March 21 event held at Alliance Française premises in Kampala and open to the public, provided a platform for an engaging dialogue on the theme: Rupture and Continuity between Traditional Ugandan Tales and Modern Poetry.

The panel discussion was graced by the presence of distinguished individuals in the literary field, including Prof. Susan Kiguli from Makerere University, renowned poet and founder of Kwivuga Creations Nunu Umuringa Butare and moderated by Eva Nabulya, a lecturer at Makerere University's literature department.

(Photo by Ahumuza Muhumuza)

Alliance Française director Eric Touzé warmly welcomed guests and set the stage for an evening of inspiration and celebration of the power of poetry. Touzé explained that poetry has been used to express human emotions since prehistoric times. He added that World Poetry Day was initiated by UNESCO in 1999, “to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increase the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard”. 

To further drive his point home, Touzé recited three poems, an ancient poem in Chinese from the eighth-century Tang dynasty, a French poem from the eighteenth century, as well as a Greek poem. 

“I would like to thank the guests for coming, we are here to honour poetry in all its manifestations,” he said. 

“There are currently about 7,000 languages spoken around the world. These are very few, considering they used to be a lot more languages,” Touzé explained that languages are disappearing at an alarming rate. 

“Each year, about 25 languages disappear – that is one every two weeks,” Touzé said. 

95% of the world’s population speaks only 20 languages including French, Chinese, Hindu, Urdu, and Japanese. Meaning the other 6000 or so languages are spoken by only 5% of the world’s population. Languages are dying out. “Poetry is one of the most efficient means to keep languages alive. That is why it is important to write and recite poetry in local [Ugandan] languages,” Touzé said.

Award-winning poet Kiguli, whose poems have been translated into more than half a dozen languages, further emphasised the importance of keeping languages alive through poetry.

"If we are to grow our languages, we need an orthography, some kind of standard that everyone can be held accountable to. There has to be a method to the madness,” Kiguli said. 

“Though I grew up speaking Luganda, I consult Luganda language experts when translating my poetry into the language, to ensure what I have written is in accordance with standard orthography,” Kiguli said.

Shaping our understanding of the world

Kiguli’s insights were vividly brought to life as she recited her poem Olulimi Ndabilwamu (Language is a Mirror), emphasising the key role language plays in shaping our understanding of our existence in the world. 



A hush fell over the audience as she explored the power of language to unlock the mind’s hidden trails, guide us through life's reflections, and open our eyes to new possibilities. The poem further explores how language guides us through introspection, allowing us to reflect, grow, and see the world with fresh eyes. 

Through Olulimi Ndabilwamu, Kiguli poignantly articulates how language not only facilitates our inner exploration but also serves as a cornerstone of our worldviews, anchoring us as we navigate the complexities of the external world. 

“Language is a torch that lights the way, through the past, and into the future,” she said.

When a language is lost we lose something important.

Luganda, for example, has rich poetry traditions, with varieties such as Omudigido, Ebitontome, Ebikwate and Endega’malobozi. In addition, Luganda is a dynamic tonal language where sounds can be manipulated to have different effects, “what in English we call alliteration,” Kiguli says. 

Depending on how one plays with consonants and vowels and how they interact with each other, the same root word can be built upon to express different things. One root word can be built upon to change tense, class, and even meaning. “'Okukula’, for example, can mean ‘to grow’. It can also mean to ‘detooth’ if the pitch and emphasis are changed,” she says. Language is, therefore, like an antenna to our nations.

Eva Nabulya built upon the previous points, explaining that through Kiguli’s poem, guests had been invited to journey into the mind of the poet as well as those who inspired her. Poets, she said, “draw on the experiences and perspectives of others, enriching their work. This is what makes poetry so rich. We can see this in the ruptures and continuities between traditional Ugandan poetry and its modern form".

“We are children of many worlds. A poet like Kiguli, born into Kiganda culture, teaches literature in English, which takes her on an exploration of English culture. Her poems, translated into Kiswahili, Italian, German and French, demonstrate this constant exploration across various cultural landscapes,” Nabulya says.

Turning into viral phenomena

Umuringa Butare, a self-proclaimed “closet poet,” started Kwivuga simply to share poetry with her close-knit circle of friends. Little did she know, these weekly sessions of rap, spoken word, and storytelling would become a viral phenomenon. 

Butare emphasises the importance of fostering a poetry-loving community, believing it can inspire others to discover their passion for the art form. She views poetry as a powerful tool for mental health advocacy. 

“For me, it has always been therapy,” she explains, “Through my poems, I speak to the mind, tackling relatable issues like the prevalent mental health struggles in our country. Whatever I write about – pain, trauma, healing – is relatable to almost everyone”.

Furthermore, Butare shed light on the role of poetry as a tool for dismantling societal constraints, citing cultural norms in Ankole and Rwanda that stifle the expression of extreme emotions, particularly for women.

“You cannot laugh out loud. If you do it, everyone will turn and look at you like you are mad, or call you a harlot,” Butare said, adding: “A woman is not expected to cry or express pain, regardless of how painful the situation is – loss of a spouse, or during childbearing".

Through poetry, she endeavours to challenge these rigid norms and foster a space where individuals feel empowered to share their authentic selves without fear of judgment or retribution.

Following the panel discussion, attendees eagerly engaged in a vibrant Q and A session, engaging directly with the panellists to delve deeper into the thought-provoking themes discussed. The night was crowned with an open mic session, where poets took centre stage to showcase their talent and creativity.

Laker, a favourite in Kampala’s poetry rap circles, delivered like the proverbial midwife, amidst much applause and calls for an encore. With her witty lyricism and powerful punchlines, she had the crowd eating from the palm of her hand. 

In her poem: Paid in Exposure, she hilariously sheds light on the issue of starving artistes, including poets, struggling to survive – with promoters always promising to pay them in exposure, instead of cash.

Joshua Ayoki’s poignant poems delved into the insecurities and challenges of young men, striking a chord with many in the audience. Additionally, Luganda performance poet, author, rapper, and actor Ssebo Lule mesmerised the crowd with his captivating performance in the Kiganda style of Ekitontome. The open mic session showcased the diverse voices and perspectives within Uganda’s lively poetry community, leaving attendees inspired and moved by the power of spoken word.

World Poetry Day serves as a reminder of the enduring power of poetry. From the classic sonnet to the contemporary free verse, poetry offers a platform for creative exploration and artistic expression. In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication, the beauty and significance of poetic expression remain vital. This day encourages us to rediscover this art form, engage with the works of diverse poets, and, perhaps, even try our hand at crafting verses of our own.