LiteratureThe Department of Literature, formally the Department of English, is the oldest in the School.
The Department has an old tradition of teaching and research. The department is proud to produce prominent East African Statesmen like founding father of the Tanzanian nation Mwalimu Julius Nyerere (RIP), former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa, Literature giants such as Okot P'Bitek, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Timothy Wangusa, Austin Bukenya, and quite a number of others went through the Department.
After Independence in 1962, the significant development was the promotion of African Oral Literature and Creative Writing. Previously, Literature courses were mainly dominated by works of the main stream English Tradition. Works from other European, American, Asian and the Caribbean traditions were introduced later. A number of useful courses have been included to revitalise the subject of Literature. These include; Popular Literature, Film Studies, Gender Issues in Literature, Art of Communication, Theatre for Development, Literature and Human Rights.
The Department is a significant contributor to the literature output in Uganda. Names such as Austin Ejiet, Mary Karooro Okurut, Susan Kiguli and Ayeta Wangusa have featured prominently on the African literature scene.
The Department has continued to play a major role in Uganda's media Industry, Publishing, Theatre arts, Politics, Diplomacy and the teaching profession among others.
The Department has an active Literature Association in which students and staff are engaged in the production of literature works such as fiction, drama and poetry, and readings by prominent artists are occasionally hosted by the Department. These literature activities are annually published by the departmental journal "Dhana" which has been in existence since the 1960s.
NUTI
