If wishes were resurrections, Uganda’s greatest poet, Okot p’Bitek (1931-1982), may his soul continue to rest in power, would have resurrected and be on his way, travelling from Gulu to the CPAR Dr. Paul Hargrave Memorial Centre in Lira City.

And here he would find us, behavioral change communicators, media change agents in training, beneficiaries of the Dr. Paul Hargrave Memorial Centre Human Development Project, being nourished and mentored by the multi-talented and all round thespian Philip Luswata.

How I would be filled with joy to meet the author of my favorite book of all time. A book, which is a long poem, “Song of Lawino”; a defining creative piece of writing, exemplifying the “Okot School of Poetry,” also referred to as the “East African Song School.”

How I would love to see the greats, the two thespians, Luswata and p’Bitek, tag-team and in the African oral tradition, demonstrate to our youth media change agents in training the power of the arts in informing and influencing behavioral change for the greater good.

But still I am content for even if he not be physically present with us here on earth, p’Bitek bequeathed us a legacy uncomparable. A legacy so profound and poetic that his body of work remains the more relevant today in the context of Uganda, East Africa and the world.

And how amazing it is to be a part of and witness the master at work. Luswata, similarly making history in his own right and his own style, which is already putting him in the same class as historical figures in the arts.

I observe Luswata with awe, giving of him and his craft 100 percent for the benefit of youth from the Greater Northern Region of Uganda, empowering them to use the arts to cause positive change and contribute to building healthy communities in Uganda.

On behalf of CPAR Uganda and our sister organisation, Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief, with which we are jointly implementing the Dr. Paul Hargrave Memorial Centre Human Development Project, I say thank you to our media training team led by Luswata.

Yes, we are in week three of the training and it is going great!

We invite you to CLICK HERE to learn more about our work and to support it. THANK YOU.

Recommended Reading:

“How Okot p,Bitek became Uganda’s most radical poet,” published in Monitor

“Philip Luswata: A career onstage and behind the scene,” published in The African Theatre Magazine.

All photos published herein were taken by one of the media change agents in training, Kimtai Abdulkarim Kibet