Uganda Poetry Society


The Uganda Poetry Society 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. Founded in 2024, the society organizes workshops, performances, youth programs, and administers the Dr. Ivan Edwards Poetry Award.
WWW ugandapoetrysociety.org

History

The Uganda Poetry Society emerged as a collective of poets seeking to strengthen Uganda's literary identity through cooperation and collaboration to promote literacy throughout Uganda. It was led by Philip Matogo. The Ugandan literacy rate in 2024, at the year of its founding was 73.5%, around 11,900,000 people at the time were illiterate, or around 26% of the population. The rate after the organizations founding was 74% as the national literacy rate. In rural areas, where the organization has less reach, it is around 68.2%. Urban areas, on the other hand, race in front at around 80% literacy rate. . The society expanded its activities, including weekly poem features, book reviews, podcasts, visiting poet initiatives, and literary dialogues.
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.
The society is a hub for poets across Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and beyond.
Media coverage has noted UPS’s increasing regional visibility, citing its new partnerships and expanded programming.

Leadership

Helm

The society's president is Philip Matogo. The vice president is Dr. Ampat Varghese Koshy. They are assisted "by a cadre of dedicated intellectuals."

Patron

The society's patron is Prof. Timothy Wangusa, a Ugandan poet, novelist, academic, and former cabinet minister.

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.

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.

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. 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.
The award is viewed as enhancing UPS’s capacity to support emerging poets and promote sustained literary development in the region.

Purpose and Theme

The award was created to "elevate Ugandan talent to global stages" and encourage Ugandans to “pour out their brilliance” and prevent creative potential from remaining unrealized. The inaugural theme is Unity.
Regional media coverage highlighted Unity as symbolically significant in a region" shaped by diverse histories and identities."
There is no entry fee, an incentive for marginalized communities to participate.

Submission Formats

Submissions may be either:

Honoree

The award is named after Dr. Ivan Edwards, a Ugandan-born American physician, USAF Reserve Flight Surgeon, minister, and poet.

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
  • Alex White, PhD — historian and editor

Impact and Reception

Ugandan and regional media have noted UPS's growing role in the East African literary culture and beyond.
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.