KAB’s Assistant Lecturer, Mr. Agume Innocent, to Showcases Literary Works at Mwalimu Nyerere Creative Writing National Awards

Mr. Agume Innocent, an Assistant Lecturer – Kiswahili Language and Linguistics at Kabale University, has been granted an opportunity to showcase his literary works in Kiswahili at the upcoming Mwalimu Nyerere Creative Writing National Awards event in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, scheduled for April 13th, 2024.

The Mwalimu Nyerere National Award for Creative Writing, overseen by the Tanzanian Ministry of Education, was initiated in 2023 to honor outstanding authors contributing to Kiswahili creative writing. This annual event, chaired by Prof. Pendo Mlama, recognizes winners of competitions in various categories including novels, poetry, children’s books, and drama plays.

Mr. Agume, selected to participate in this event, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting its personal and professional significance. “This serves as a great motivator for me,” he stated. “It showcases that my literary works have made an impact not only nationally but also regionally and globally. It’s an excellent chance to interact with esteemed authors and showcase my literature at a regional level.”

Mr. Agume’s involvement in developing Kiswahili materials for O-level and A-level education in Uganda has been substantial. His Kiswahili books, co-authored with esteemed colleagues, won government tenders and were distributed to all government and private secondary schools in Uganda. Additionally, he contributed to Kiswahili poetry anthologies, primary teachers’ college books, children’s short storybooks, and A-level set books.

Reflecting on his achievements, Mr. Agume expressed pride in his contributions to Kiswahili language education. “It’s a great achievement to find my name in every school library in Uganda,” he remarked. “I have contributed to the existing body of knowledge in Kiswahili language education in Uganda and beyond.”

His play, “Chema Chajiuza,” selected for the second consecutive time by the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) as a set book for A-level students, reflects societal realities and promotes moral uprightness. The play emphasizes the importance of integrity, serving as a mirror to society’s values.

Despite facing challenges during the writing and publishing process, including initial setbacks in government tender applications, Mr. Agume remained steadfast in his dedication to Kiswahili literature. He encouraged aspiring writers to pursue their passion and emphasized the importance of perseverance and continuous learning.

Looking ahead, Mr. Agume aspires to further contribute to the growth of Kiswahili literature and education in Uganda. He plans to engage in partnerships, mentor aspiring writers, and actively involve his students in Kiswahili creative writing and materials development.

Mr. Agume’s participation in the Mwalimu Nyerere Creative Writing National Awards event not only highlights his achievements but also signifies a broader recognition of Kiswahili literature on a regional platform.

Swahili as a language has become a second language spoken by tens of millions of people in the four African Great Lakes countries (Kenya, DRC, Uganda, and Tanzania), where it is an official/ national language. It is an official language of the African Union and is becoming the 4th official working language of the Southern African Development Community.