On 8 August 2026, poets, literary artists and lovers of spoken word gathered at Katonga Hall, Hotel Africana in Kampala for the Kampala Poetry Festival 2026.
Held under the slogan, “Celebrating Voices, Stories and Creative Expression,” the festival created a platform for poets from different backgrounds and generations to share their work, engage audiences and contribute to cultural and social dialogue through creative expression.
A Celebration of Poetry and Performance
The Kampala Poetry Festival, also known as KlaPoetryFest, celebrates spoken word, poetry, theatre and literary arts. It brings together established and emerging voices to inspire, educate and entertain audiences.
Through live performances and artistic exchange, the festival creates a space where poetry intersects with culture, creativity and social dialogue. It also seeks to nurture artistic excellence and promote a greater appreciation of literature among young people and the wider community.
The 2026 edition reflected the diversity and growing strength of Uganda and East Africa’s spoken-word community. The performers brought different creative approaches, personal experiences and artistic identities to the festival stage.
KlaPoetryFest 2026 Performers
The festival featured performances by:
- Meddy Progress
- Lus the Poet
- Nyakato Juliet Sheila
- Jason Ntaro
- Mitch
- Dut Jessino
- Glen the Poet
- Melesin
- Roland Aine, also known as Roland95
- Katuura Philip Musozi
Together, the performers represented different generations and experiences within the poetry community, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to providing both established and emerging voices with a platform to be heard.
Featured Poets
Jason Ntaro
Jason Ntaro is an award-winning Ugandan performance poet. He made his first public-stage appearance on 27 April 2007 at the National Theatre as an inaugural member of the Lantern Meet of Poets, one of Uganda’s earliest grassroots poetry movements.
His performance of his original composition, “Three Years, Two Months, Five Days,” a poem addressing domestic violence, introduced Kampala audiences to his distinctive talent.
Ntaro has since appeared on poetry platforms across East Africa, including Poetry in Session, Kwivuga Poetry, Tontoma Poetry Session, Spoken Word Rwanda, Open Mic Uganda and Kelele at Makerere. His words and voice have also featured in concerts, studio recordings, corporate functions, cultural events, classrooms and film festivals.
An experienced and versatile performer, Ntaro has collaborated with poets, vocalists and instrumentalists. His performances have incorporated instruments including the piano, drums, thumb piano, guitar, saxophone and traditional African percussion.
Ntaro is also committed to nurturing younger generations. He participates in school poetry clinics, speaks at retreats for young writers and leaders, supports young people auditioning for poetry productions, and mentors emerging poets and performers.
Roland Aine — Roland95
Roland Aine, popularly known as Roland95, is a radio and television presenter, spoken-word artist, voice-over professional, events master of ceremonies, and speech and English-language tutor.
Having worked with media organisations including Magic 1 HD and UBC TV, Roland95 has built a reputation for his smooth voice, engaging presence, spoken-word ability, and passion for music and creative expression.
Whether on air, onstage or behind the microphone, his work centres on authentic entertainment, powerful storytelling and meaningful connections with audiences.
Roland has also hosted and curated audio and video podcasts featuring prominent creatives and public figures, including retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Asan Kasingye.
Glen the Poet
Glen the Poet, whose full name is Saava Trinity Glen Mutebi, is a young Christian spoken-word poet based in Kampala, Uganda. He is passionate about inspiring positive change through poetry and humanitarian work carried out through the Glen the Poet Foundation.
He has performed at events including I Am Word: An Evening of Poetry and Worship, organised by Christian Poets Uganda; Mapenzi Without Borders, organised by Chaiga Destiny Gladys; events at Kisugu Miracle Centre; and private family and school functions.
His appearance at KlaPoetryFest 2026 marked another important step in his growing performance journey.
Glen is mentored and coached by Joseph Matovu, popularly known as JozeMat, a media and creative professional working under JMatAgency.
Dut Jessino
Dut Jessino is a South Sudanese, Uganda-based poet who has performed on national and international stages.
Through layered metaphors, wordplay and raw honesty, his poetry explores the complexities of war, nature, beauty, social justice, mental health and Afrocentric storytelling. His work is not about speaking the loudest; it is about telling the truth.
Jessino is known for lyrical poetry addressing advocacy, human rights and global atrocities. He is the founder of SUDO Poetry and has spearheaded South Sudanese poetry and arts events, including An Evening with South Sudanese Poets and Tongues and Tones.
In 2024, he represented South Sudan at the regional East Africa Poetic Hour Battle in Kisumu, Kenya. He has also performed at the African Youth Summit in Nairobi, a peace conference in Juba, AYAN’s anniversary celebrations and the United Nations’ annual World Refugee Day commemoration.
His performances have also appeared at Kampala events and festivals including Mitchz Manifest, Spoken, LADU, Tales by the Fireside, and the 2024 and 2025 Human Rights Festivals.
Meddy Progress
Meddy Progress is a poet, woodworker and author of Bees and Their Flowers: A Love Story Made in Heaven. He describes himself as someone who hides behind the microphone, hoping to bless the world with words that bind and heal.
In addition to performing at the festival, Meddy served as the Festival Operations lead.
Lus the Poet
Katuura Philip Musozi
Festival Panel Discussion
Festival Panel Discussion
KlaPoetryFest 2026 also featured a panel discussion that brought together voices from student leadership, poetry, literature, the creative arts and festival management.
The discussion was moderated by Yusuf Sserunkuma. The panellists were Shillah Ainembabazi, Carolyne M. Acen, Philip Matogo, poet Ronald Ssekajja, Akankunda Allen, author Okwakunzire Ronah and Victor.
The panellists were:
Shillah Ainembabazi
Shillah Ainembabazi participated in the discussion in her capacity as President of the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA).
Philip Matogo
Philip Matogo joined the festival panel and contributed to the discussion alongside representatives from the literary, creative and student communities.
Akankunda Allen
Akankunda Allen is a Ugandan author and the writer of Wings from Ashes. She joined the KlaPoetryFest 2026 panel, contributing her perspective as a literary voice whose work engages themes of resilience, personal growth and rising beyond limitations.
Carolyne M. Acen
Carolyne M. Acen, popularly known as Afroetry, the Unapologetic Poet, participated as both a panellist and the Managing Director of Kampala Poetry Festival.
Distinguished Guests
Kampala Poetry Festival 2026 was honoured to welcome H.E. Ambassador Dr Rashid Yahaya Ssemuddu as the Guest of Honour.
H.E. Ambassador Dr Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu
H.E. Ambassador Dr Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu is a Ugandan diplomat, Islamic scholar, philanthropist and advocate for peace, dialogue and community development. He holds a PhD in Islamic Law and Jurisprudence from the Islamic University of Madinah in Saudi Arabia, where he pursued his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral studies.
Dr Ssemuddu currently serves as Uganda’s Ambassador to the Republic of Sudan and Special Presidential Envoy to the State of Qatar. His diplomatic career has included service as Uganda’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with accreditation to several other countries in the Middle East. He has also represented Uganda at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Beyond diplomacy, Dr Ssemuddu has devoted many years to education, humanitarian service, youth mentorship, interfaith understanding and the promotion of peaceful coexistence. In April 2026, his contribution to society was recognised with a Social Impact Alumni Award from the Islamic University of Madinah.
As Guest of Honour at Kampala Poetry Festival 2026, Dr Ssemuddu joined poets, writers and creative practitioners in celebrating the power of language, culture and artistic expression. His presence reinforced the festival’s call for young people to use their voices and talents to contribute to a peaceful, enlightened and united Uganda.
Mr Mosh was also among the distinguished guests associated with the festival.
Festival Leadership
Zenah Nakanwagi — Festival Executive Director
Zenah Nakanwagi, also known as Zenah the Poet, is a Ugandan poet, author and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Stubborn Poetry, a platform that champions raw and honest Ugandan poetry under the expression, “No rules, just lines.”
Her work gives voice to love, pain, resilience and the everyday realities of women. She believes that “writing is another way to stay alive.”
Zenah is the author of five poetry collections:
- Spit My Heart
- The Feelings
- A Touch of Emotions
- The Naked Mind
- I Am a Woman, I Am Love
Her books explore womanhood, healing, heartbreak and hope, reaching readers in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Canada and beyond.
Beyond literature, Zenah is a social entrepreneur. She is the founder of Ballerina Beauty Spot in Kitende and Chief Executive Officer of First Shot Company, which operates in supplies and logistics.
Carolyne M. Acen — Festival Managing Director
Carolyne M. Acen, popularly known as Afroetry, the Unapologetic Poet, is a Ugandan poet, spoken-word artist and activist.
She is the founder of Echo Minds Poets, an all-female performance poetry collective that amplifies the stories and experiences of African women.
Acen is the author of two poetry collections, Dry Parched Land and Married to Society. She was shortlisted for the Haiku Africa Prize in 2017, nominated in the Outstanding Spoken Word category at the 2021 Janzi Awards, and nominated for a Women in Talent Award at the 2023 HerWit Awards.
Her work has appeared on Amnesty International’s activism podcast and at literary and cultural events in Uganda and internationally.
In 2024, her poem “Unmarried” was selected as a winning entry in a Poetry International contest in Rotterdam. In 2025, she participated in the African Writers Residency organised by the African Writers Trust. She is currently working on her third poetry collection.
Joseph Matovu (JozeMat)
Joseph Matovu, popularly known as JozeMat, is a Ugandan poetry-performance coach, digital communications specialist, brand manager, voice-over artist and media personality.
Widely recognised as “The Urban Gospel Guy,” JozeMat has hosted urban gospel and lifestyle programmes on radio, including shows on HomeFM. He is also a podcaster and radio producer whose work explores culture, youth empowerment and social issues.
Within the creative arts, JozeMat works in branding, graphic design and spoken-word poetry. His community advocacy has included programmes promoting self-esteem and empowerment among girls in Uganda.
Victor Namakajjo — Programs Coordinator
Victor Namakajjo is a Ugandan actor, producer, dancer and cultural performer with a passion for storytelling through acting and movement. He is a graduate of the Yenze Theatre Conservatoire, where he completed courses in acting and musical theatre. His training covered stage performance, character development, acting for screen and physical theatre.
Victor made his producing debut at the Uganda National Theatre with Ku Kyooto. He has appeared in several stage productions, including My Fair Lady and The Phantom of the Opera, in which he played Ubaldo Piangi at the National Theatre and Serena Theatre in Kampala. He also performed in Adungu Tales, a production celebrating Ugandan culture.
His screen appearances include Sanyu, Falling Out and Mirinda Fruity’s “Tema Enyonta” promotion. During his training at Yenze Theatre Conservatoire, Victor played Jack Worthing, also known as Earnest, in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, demonstrating his versatility in classical comedy.
Victor has also participated in the first, second and third editions of the dance production The Levite. These performances brought together his acting abilities and more than six years of professional dance experience.
He is the founder and leader of Ngoma Z’Africa, a cultural performance collective dedicated to celebrating African heritage through the creative arts. Through his work, Victor promotes cultural pride, youth empowerment and the use of performance to tell African stories.
Victor serves as Programs Coordinator for Kampala Poetry Festival.
Creating a Home for Poetry
Beyond live performances, Kampala Poetry Festival seeks to encourage artistic collaboration, nurture emerging talent and deepen public appreciation of literature.
The festival places young people and the wider community at the centre of an evolving conversation about culture, creativity and social dialogue.
As KlaPoetryFest continues to grow, it remains committed to celebrating the voices and stories shaping Uganda’s literary landscape while creating meaningful opportunities for poets, performers and audiences to connect.
Kampala Poetry Festival — Where Words Come Alive and Stories Find a Stage.
Wow…nice piece..
Wow this is a great initiative to recignize other kinds of art like poetry. I believe and pray Ugandans get to support this brilliant idea.