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Omugave Ndugwa | |
|---|---|
| Born | Joseph Semakula Ndugwa |
| Died | June 9, 2022 |
| Cause of death | Prostate cancer |
| Citizenship | Uganda |
| Occupation(s) | author, script writer, director and producer |
Joseph Semakula Ndugwa, commonly known as Omugave Ndugwa, was a Ugandan writer. He had over 40 years of experience in Uganda's arts industry as an author, script writer, director and producer. He wrote over 30 plays, 300 poems, and a couple of films. [1]
Ndugwa, in 1969, joined the Jinja Dramatics Society (JDS) and, in 1971, the Kampala Negro Angels. [2]
In 1978, after leaving the Negro Angels, he co-founded the Black Pearls with Omulagira John Kayondo and others. [2] Ndugwa's long-time friend, Edrisa Wankalubo Simwogerere, supported the group's establishment by providing resources. [2]
After a challenging period in the late 1990s, Ndugwa returned to Uganda from the U.S. in 2000, reviving and renaming the Riverside theatre as The Pearl theatre. [2] [3] However, evolving audience preferences and logistical issues resulted in declining popularity, leading to Ndugwa's eventual retreat and the venue's transformation into a motor vehicle spare parts shop. [2]
Notable works produced during his career include, Obulamu Bwa Sambirige and Office Njerere. [2]
Before his death, he had embarked on movie production, a chapter he began in 2013 with a film version of his 1988 play “Emikwano nsi” which he directed and co-produced with Hemdee Kiwanuka. [1]
Ndugwa died on June 9, 2022 after suffering from prostate cancer. [1] [2] [4] [5] [6]
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