Author: BAMUTURAKI MUSINGUZI
By BAMUTURAKI MUSINGUZI Chrisogon Atukwasize, 34, known as Ogon, a Ugandan political cartoonist, has released his first collection of humorous and dramatic cartoons in his book titled “Drawing Attention”. This collection, supported by the Kuonyesha Art Fund, contains over 200 satirical cartoons from various publications, targeting the powerful, politicians, and ordinary citizens for their misdeeds. Ogon’s cartoons cover a wide range of topics, from political scandals to economic issues in Uganda, offering a critical and humorous perspective. Divided into 11 chapters, the book follows the timeline of significant events in Uganda since 1986 when President Yoweri Museveni took office. Through…
By BAMUTURAKI MUSINGUZI The novel ‘Kairos’ by Jenny Erpenbeck wins the International Booker Prize 2024 for its portrayal of a destructive affair in 1980s East Berlin. The judges awarded the £50,000 prize equally to author Erpenbeck and translator Michael Hofmann. Advertisement Set against the backdrop of a crumbling East Germany, the story delves into themes of power, love, and loyalty. Erpenbeck’s writing captures the complexities of a relationship between a young student and an older man, reflecting on personal and political dynamics. The intimate exploration of hope and disappointment in ‘Kairos’ has earned Erpenbeck recognition as the first German writer…
By BAMUTURAKI MUSINGUZI An art exhibition titled “Mukyala” at the Nommo Gallery in Kampala showcases the works of three Ugandan artists, inviting viewers to explore the complexities of womanhood through multidimensional experiences. The exhibition features artworks by Wamala Nyanzi, Joan Namaggwa, and Kigozi Axum, open from April 26 to May 26, 2024. Kigozi’s paintings, such as “Mukyala – Forgotten Beauty” and “Out the Picture,” delve into themes of motherhood and societal responsibilities. Namaggwa’s surreal oil paintings, like “Daughter of Aphrodite” and “Graceful Guardian,” capture divine love and maternal grace. Nyanzi’s linocut prints, such as “Beautifully Imitations” and “Mother’s Heart,” illustrate…
By BAMUTURAKI MUSINGUZI The European Union Human Rights Defenders’ Award (HRD) 2024 winner, Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, a Ugandan academic, activist, and political cartoonist, was honored for his boldness in fighting corruption, notably through the online campaign #UgandaParliamentExhibition. Presented on May 2 at the Denmark ambassador’s residence in Kampala, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to human rights defense in Uganda. Ssentongo, also the 2023 recipient, campaigns for better public infrastructure, healthcare, and law enforcement in Kampala. Familiar as Spire, he uses satirical cartoons in The Observer to provide social commentary and lectures at Makerere and Uganda Martyrs Universities. The digital activism…