Uganda needs library culture
Apr 22, 2019
World book day supplement
April 23 is World Book Day, a day to mark the joys of reading. The date marks 403 years since William Shakespeare, the greatest writer of all time and Miguel de Cervantes — Don Quixote author and the greatest writer in the Spanish language ever - both died. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) set the day aside to promote reading, publishing and copyright. This year's event pays special attention to the role of indigenous languages. Fountain Publishers has been at the helm of the publishing industry in Uganda, producing educational and literary material for more than 30 years. On this 24th World Book and Copyright day, Ahumuza Muhumuza interviewed Fountain Publishers' founder James Tumusiime about the year's theme, the status of reading and its future in Uganda.
What is the the status of the reading culture in Uganda?
Uganda has invested heavily in education and that is a good thing, but the investment needs to be boosted with an investment in books and libraries. A democracy is guided by knowledge; for a healthy democracy to function, people read, discuss and share alternative policies.
Because of Uganda's unique history — decades of instability and mismanagement, it has the distinction of being the only East African country without a vibrant national library.
But this has not always been the case. Uganda used to have libraries in every district. The political troubles of the regimes after independence destroyed this. When the current Government came to power in 1986, it had no option, but to prioritise bread and butter sectors — the basics such as food, safety and travel.
But now that the country is stable and secure, the lack of investment in libraries is a huge omission that needs to be rectified. The reading culture has also suffered because of misplaced emphasis on passing exams and cut-throat competition among schools. Students have to cram and regurgitate content in narrow spheres of interest.
The type of teaching done in most schools, the questions set for tests and the objectives of the system are all set on shaky ground. These methods do not inspire a healthy reading culture.
Students are forced to memorise facts packed in pamphlets and textbooks. Many Ugandans, therefore, internalise reading as a punishment from an early age. That is why, after major examinations such as Primary Seven and Senior Four, children light a bonfire and burn their books. CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON THIS SUPPLEMENT
Do Ugandans have a reading culture?
It is almost an annual ritual. Each time there is a book-related event - conference, symposium, market or whatever — people assert: Ugandans do not read. The interesting thing is, it is Ugandans who say this. And they should know, shouldn't they? At this point, I will not say the assertion is true or false; let's first take a look at where we have come from as a people.
Society and information
We all know that no society can survive without an information and knowledge sharing system. Every society is founded on having information and knowledge about themselves, such as commercial engagement and deity, among other things. Africa was not any different before the West invaded her.
Passing on information
In Buganda, for instance, there was an established system by which families ensured that children knew and appreciated their lineage; traced their ancestry and learnt the values that distinguished Buganda and its traditions from other peoples. They had an established clan system that had roots deeply buried in the individual family, from where one was established in their identity; layer by layer, as they went outward, towards their perceived founder, Kintu. As they worked, tilling the gardens, building huts, hunting and other forms of work, the Baganda always ensured to pass on all vital information and knowledge to their offspring. CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON THIS STORY
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