PRESS RELEASE – Kampala Writes Literature Festival 2026
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The Goethe-Zentrum Kampala/Uganda German Cultural Society (GZK/UGCS) is delighted to welcome audiences to the third edition of the annual Kampala Writes Literature Festival.
The festival is organised by GZK/UGCS in partnership with the Caine Prize for African Writing, African Writers Trust, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kampala, Jibu, ONOMO Hotels, eKitabu, and the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC).
The 2026 edition of the festival continues to create a vibrant space for dialogue, critical thought, learning, and exchange. As we reflect on the art of possibility, it is important to examine the narratives that have shaped our imaginations and influenced how we understand ourselves and the world around us.
Date: 28th to 30th August 2026
Venue: Uganda National Cultural Centre/ National Theatre
Message from the Festival Curator
I am delighted to welcome you to the third edition of the Kampala Writes LitFest. Building on the success of the two previous editions, which I had the honour to curate, the Kampala LitFest is now a key event on Uganda’s literary calendar.
The theme for this year, ‘Where Stories Begin: The Imaginary and the Art of Possibility,’ invites us to reflect on the origins of storytelling, how new ideas are born, and how imagination allows us to rethink our histories and envision alternative futures.
Storytelling has always been at the heart of who we are as Ugandans. Many of us grew up surrounded by folktales, praise poetry, drama, song and dance as a form of entertainment and instruction. As storytellers, we continue to honour these long-standing traditions, but also, boldly embrace new genres and modes of expression. This festival celebrates all artists as the powerful narrators of our stories, and brings together a community of writers, poets and thinkers to expand the boundaries of storytelling.
We welcome acclaimed novelist and professor of creative writing, Chika Unigwe as the Keynote guest, alongside leading writers from the continent and the diaspora. The festival also features established and emerging talent across various artforms.
Join us for a stimulating festival featuring nuanced curated panel discussions and debates, book talks, workshops and masterclasses led by leading experts in the industry, performances, film screenings, and a dedicated children ‘s session.
Goretti Kyomuhendo
Festival Curator
Read more about the literary festival on the website: https://kampalawriteslitfest.org/
Here is the 3-day program. We hope to see you there!
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