BUGOLOBI, KAMPALA: March 28, 2026-
Uganda welcomed a new cultural landmark on Saturday evening as Backyard Bistro hosted the first edition of the Dr. Ivan Edwards Poetry Award. The art filled venue offered an intimate setting where young poets, established poets, academics, and admirers of the arts gathered to celebrate excellence in both written and spoken poetry. The atmosphere carried a sense of promise, as if a new literary tradition had taken root.
The award is named for Dr. Ivan Edwards, a United States Air Force flight surgeon of Ugandan descent, a physician, and an award winning poet whose work has influenced readers at home and abroad. With a total prize value of US 1,200, the award has already earned recognition as one of the most respected literary honors in East and Central Africa. Its international character and high standards signal a new moment for Uganda’s literary landscape.
Honoring Literary Achievement
The ceremony focused on recognition rather than performance. It was an evening devoted to acknowledging poets whose work has shaped conversations, stirred emotion, and broadened the reach of Ugandan expression. The tone was reflective and dignified, with an emphasis on the craft and discipline behind each piece of poetry.
Award Recipients:
• Atim Priscilla Ariance, US 500, Spoken Word Category
• Lus Aziz Al Fadhul, US 500, Written Word Category
• Gumbadia La Joie, US 100, Youth Category, Spoken Word
• Praise Nowangye, US 100, Youth Category, Written Word
A Joyful Twist: “Who Is the Poet?”
The evening included one lively moment of performance. The spirited challenge titled “Who Is the Poet?” invited contestants to improvise before an eager audience. With 500,000 Ugandan shillings at stake, participants entertained with wit and creativity, bringing laughter and warmth to the close of the ceremony.
A Triumph for the Arts
The inaugural Dr. Ivan Edwards Poetry Award delivered more than prizes. It introduced a new cultural institution that elevates poets and strengthens Uganda’s literary identity. The success of its first edition suggests a future in which the award becomes a foundation for generations of poets who will shape the nation’s artistic story.