Makerere University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, has described Prof Timothy Wangusa as one of Makerere’s treasured literary sons.
This is contained in a speech read for him by Associate Professor Umar Kakumba, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), during the “Wangusa@80” event held at Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility (Auditorium) on Friday, July 8, 2022.
Prof Nawangwe said the event honoured and acknowledged Makerere’s rich heritage and the people who have worked resolutely to build its indomitable strength in its century of existence.
“Timothy Wangusa came to us in 1964 and has never looked back. Makerere University has watched and nurtured Wangusa and also seen Wangusa give back to Makerere and to the wider community in amazing ways,” he noted.
“He is one of the academics who never left and knows the history of those troubled times very well but fortunately for us he also recounts Makerere’s outstanding achievements with fervor,” said Prof Nawangwe.
In his doctoral study, Prof Wangusa argued that the future of African poetry lay in the realization that orality was key in Africa’s literary practice, an argument that resonates with the foundational work by Pio Zirimu and Austin Bukenya on the idea of Orature.
The term “Orature” is closely associated with the Department of Literature and Makerere University and is widely used in scholarship across different continents.
In fact, during his visit in 2013, another of Makerere’s illustrious sons, Ngugi wa Thiong’o called upon Makerere to patent the term as one of its notable achievements in nurturing Uganda and Africa’s intangible heritage.
“This, for us, is a step in the right direction. Wangusa is a decorated figure in many circles but the one which has made Makerere’s name resound in many quarters and corners of the globe is his writing,” Prof Nawangwe noted, adding:
“He stands as one of Uganda’s most prolific writers whose poetic prowess is unbeatable. He boasts of over 14 titles to his name and half of them are poetry collections some of which have poems that have become signature quotations such as The State is my Shepherd: Psalm 23 Part II with its opening line: The state is my shepherd, I shall not want. The social commentary in his work particularly in his poems appeals to the most ordinary of us and of course the humour keeps readers and listeners going.”
A man of many firsts
In his remarkable and arresting academic journey, Wangusa became the first PhD in the Department of Literature in 1975 since Makerere became an independent University in 1970.
Wangusa is a person of many firsts but this one stands out in Makerere’s memory because Wangusa made this history in turbulent times, noted the VC.
In her speech, Associate Professor Josephine Ahikire, the Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences, said Professor Wangusa distinguished himself in several areas, including being the first Ugandan Professor of Literature at Makerere University (1981).
“As a writer, he is a household name. His first novel, “Upon this Mountain” (1989) has been a set book in Ugandan secondary schools, and his poems are taught, read and recited far and wide,” she noted, adding:
“Many times, we never get the chance to celebrate the life and work of our icons while they are still with us in flesh and blood. It is, therefore, a great honour and privilege to celebrate Professor Wangusa today, with the icon himself in our midst.”
According to Prof Ahikire, the College and Department of Literature would not be as outstanding as they are today without Prof Wangusa’s contributions.
“What kind of person, to give just one example, produces a scholar and diplomat of Professor Arthur Gakwandi’s caliber? You may wish to know, Mr. Vice Chancellor, that Prof. Arthur Gakwandi, here with us today, was Prof. Wangusa’s first doctoral student. He graduated with a PhD in Literature from Makerere University in 1986.”
She went on: “In the life and work of Professor Wangusa, we in the Humanities and the Social Sciences hold our heads high because it is evident that we are doing amazing work in contributing to the development of this country.”
Factfile:
Prof Wangusa served the University in different capacities, including as Dean, Faculty of Arts (1984-1985), Head of the Department of Literature (1981-1984), and Member of the Makerere University Council, representing the Academic Staff Association (1981-1984).
He also served as a Vice-Chancellor of Kumi University (2002-2003); a Presidential Advisor on Literary Affairs (2001-2017); a member of the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (1990-1994), a Member of Parliament (NRC), Bubulo County, Mbale (1989- 1996); and a Minister of Education of the Republic of Uganda (1985-1986), to mention but a few.
