Young Poets Talk Elections, Democracy at Poetry Evening

Young people from areas of Kampala, Mukono, Wakiso, and Entebbe gathered at Hotel Africana last Friday evening for a poetry event that went down under the theme “Democracy,  Elections, and Governance in the Africa we want.” The event was organized by Kansiime Onesmus and Prosper Mubangizi sponsored by ActionAid, European Union, and Westminster Foundation for Democracy.

Graced by DP President Norbert Mao as the guest of honor, the event featured poets from different universities like Makerere, Kyambogo, MUBS as well as other organizations. According to Onesmus Kansiime, one of the organizers, the event was held to popularize the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG).

“As we play our role of advocacy, we thought that we do not only advocate by writing concepts and also convening boardroom meetings but we thought that theatre would be a very good scene to make sure that we advocate. Given that the young people are comprising over 75% of the country’s population, we thought they were the right population to join this advocacy. “ Kansiime explained.

The evening saw various poets deliver their best message rotating around democracy, elections and governance where the best poets walked away with awards. Among the winners of the night were; Immaculate Namubiru (Best Poem), and Bridget Ankunda (Best Recitation).

Under the best poem category, David Baker emerged as the first runner up while Sharon Kiggundu and Aisha Nakibukwe tied as second runner ups. Asha and Cleopatra Mirembe emerged first and second runner ups respectively under the recitation category.

Judges of the evening included; Gordon Musinguzi, a poet who has been working to fuse advocacy in poetry. Patience Naka, and Massa were also among the judges.

Besides politics, there was a musical interlude from talented violin and guitar players who mesmerized the crowd while performing Bobi Wine’s songs like Engule and Kyarenga.

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