The Uganda Poetry Society (UPS) 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.[1] Founded in 2024, the society organizes workshops, performances, youth programs, and administers the Dr. Ivan Edwards Poetry Award.[2][3]
The Uganda Poetry Society emerged as a collective of poets seeking to strengthen Uganda's literary identity through cooperation and collaboration.[2] The society expanded its activities, including weekly poem features, book reviews, podcasts, visiting poet initiatives, and literary dialogues.[4]
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.[5]
Media coverage has noted UPS’s increasing regional visibility, citing its new partnerships and expanded programming.[7]
Leadership
Helm
The society's president is Philip Matogo.[6] The vice president is Dr. Ampat Varghese Koshy.[8] They are assisted "by a cadre of dedicated intellectuals."[7]
Patron
The society's patron is Prof. Timothy Wangusa, a Ugandan poet, novelist, academic, and former cabinet minister.[2]
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.[4][5]
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.[7]
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.[2][7] 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.[2][9][5]
The award is viewed as enhancing UPS’s capacity to support emerging poets and promote sustained literary development in the region.[7]
Purpose and Theme
The award was created to "elevate[s] Ugandan talent to global stages"[10] and encourage Ugandans to “pour out their brilliance” and prevent creative potential from remaining unrealized.[4] The inaugural theme is Unity.[10][11]
Regional media coverage highlighted Unity as symbolically significant in a region" shaped by diverse histories and identities."[7]
There is no entry fee, an incentive for marginalized communities to participate.[9]
Philip Matogo — columnist, writer, poet (ex officio)
Alex White, PhD — historian and editor (ex officio)[2][10][11]
Impact and Reception
Ugandan and regional media have noted UPS's growing role in the East African literary culture and beyond.[9][5]
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.[7]
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