Museveni to compile dictionary

By Milton Olupot PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has said he is compiling a Runyankole dictionary as his contribution to art in Uganda. "I am partially illiterate in art, but if language is an art, then I am an authority there. My contribution is to capture this very rich language and put it in form of a dictionary so that other languages can also borrow," he said. Museveni was speaking at the launching of a book, "Sowing a Seed of Love" at an art exhibition at the Nommo Gallery in Kampala on Wednesday. The 24-page book contains more than 100 colour photos of art pieces by Maj. Gen. Elly Tumwine, Mary Naiti and artists with disabilities. It costs sh10,000 and 40% of the proceeds will go to support the artists with disabilities to whom Museveni donated sh1m. "I salute all the artists especially the ones with disabilities for resisting their disability and having been able to capture different aspects of the rich culture of the African people," he said. The function was also attended by gender labour and social development minister, Hajat Janat Mukwya, agriculture minister Kisamba Mugerwa and other government officials. Tumwine said the exhibition was also in remembrance of when he narrowly survived death after he was shot through the eye as he commanded NRA rebels in November 1981. He donated portraits to four doctors including former minister James Makumbi, who, he said, risked their lives to treat him secretly at Mulago Hospital. Tumwine urged artists to record their works for future generations and to exploit their talent. Ends.