Where is Africa's Great novel?

Seriously? Is this even a question? hmmm.

International Public Dialogue on Writing and Publishing Organised by African Writers Trust in partnership with DOEN Foundation and British Council the event will bring together publishers, writers, literary activists, students, teachers and book lovers from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and the United Kingdom. The discussion will focus on the broad theme: Where is the Great African Novel? The debate will further examine some of the contemporary literary trends in writing today and new perspectives on publishing. It will address questions about the future of African writing, the role of literary prizes for African writers, the changing patterns in international publishing and what books the west wants and expects from African writers. Chaired by Deputy Editor of the international literary magazine Granta (UK) and Deputy Editor Chair of the Caine Prize Council, Ellah Allfrey, the panel will comprise some of Uganda’s leading writers Doreen Baingana and Prof. Timothy Wangusa, and editor and writer Billy Kahora from Kenya. This is a free event. Venue: Fairway Hotel, Kampala Date: 31st May, 2012 Time: 5-7pm For further information contact Goretti Kyomuhendo Director African Writers Trust Tel. +256(0) 783 170 137 Email: gorettikyomuhendo@yahoo.co.uk gorettik@hotmail.com Website: www.africanwriterstrust.org

Poem in honour of Ms. Cox , long serving Gayaza High School H.M

For Miss Cox; Following the breadcrumbs of your loyalty (read by Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva: Gayaza 1991 - 1994)

We followed the breadcrumbs of your loyalty, from England Where stories of your generous heart filled the empty baskets Being held by girls, all the way to Uganda. We followed your breadcrumbs when we lost our way, wandering Into traps laid by the enemies of education. We held onto your wisdom When we almost drowned in the hypocrisy of humanity. You gave us a song when singing was all we had left. You showed us how to run when our feet were dressed in pain. You led us to believe when faith was never the same. Frail yet strong our hope became truth, Now we are women. Now we can say, Thank you Asante Afoyo. Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva Read during the funeral service of Ms. Cox at Namirembe Cathedral Kampala, Uganda, May 2012

My poem for Jajja Daddy (Prof. Senteza Kajubi)

Prof. Kajubi with his sister-in-law, Jajja Julie, Bev and Zion with Emma standing.December 2011 For Jajja Daddy They say educationists never die because that is what you were to many. I say, Jajjas never die because that is what you were to me. They say death has robbed this nation of a great man. I say, death has given me the strength to live like you did. They say you left a big gap in their hearts. I say, my heart has been filled with the need to go on. (c) Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva