Reigniting Uganda's reading culture: A Call for local publications

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By Rebecca Nyakairu

There’s a saying that goes, "If you want to hide something from an African, put it in a book." Though it is often said with a chuckle, this statement is not without its unsettling truth. It highlights a reality that many African nations, including Uganda, continue to grapple with a reading culture that is either underdeveloped or altogether absent.

Sadly, Uganda finds itself in this position, despite notable improvements in literacy. In 2022, Uganda’s adult literacy rate reached 80.59%. But reading isn’t just about being able to recognise letters or string words together—it is about understanding, engaging, and connecting with what is on the page. Unfortunately, in Uganda, this essential skill remains out of reach for many, especially when it comes to reading comprehension.

The problem starts in our schools. It is a hard pill to swallow, but many upper-level students still struggle to read and comprehend simple passages intended for younger learners. Reports from Uwezo and the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) paint a worrying picture of reading challenges across subjects. These inadequacies manifest later in the field of work when employees fail to read reports, analyse documents, or even understand the basic materials required in their jobs.

As schools near the end of the term, it feels like the right moment for a candid discussion so as to ignite a reading culture that stretches beyond the school gates—one that encompasses not only children but adults as well. In Uganda, we need that culture—now more than ever.

Experts have proposed several contributing factors, such as the over-reliance on rote learning in schools, which stifles critical thinking and reading comprehension, limited access to books and learning materials, which leaves students struggling with repetitive content, and the firm grip of oral traditions compared to reading. An even more striking factor I stumbled upon during research is; the lack of relevant and accessible reading resources. This is where we need to start breaking the cycle.

As a country, we must invest in the production and distribution of locally relevant reading materials. The current selection of books is sorely limited, with a high student-to-book ratio, which leaves many learners without sufficient resources to develop their reading skills.

But here’s where the hope lies: Uganda has talented teachers and writers capable of developing content in a variety of languages. What we need is a system that nurtures and supports them in producing diverse reading materials that reflect our unique perspectives. Books written in both English and indigenous languages will engage students in ways that globalised, one-size-fits-all textbooks never will. Local authors can inject our cultures, traditions, and experiences into their work, creating materials that resonate with Ugandan learners.

And there’s good news on the horizon. The Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) is stepping up to breathe life back into the publishing sector. UPPC is already seeking to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and the National Curriculum Development Centre to produce reading materials tailored to Ugandan students and teachers. Apart from academic texts, UPPC plans to introduce leisure reading materials, including novels, storybooks, and even game books that learners can enjoy in their free time.

In an even bolder move, UPPC plans to provide local authors—including teachers, students, and aspiring writers—with a platform to showcase their work. This initiative offers a golden opportunity for talented individuals who lack the financial resources to publish their creations. By alleviating some of the financial burdens, UPPC hopes to create a sustainable cycle where local authors can thrive, and their books can reach eager readers.

In conclusion, the key to transforming Uganda’s reading culture lies in prioritising local content development. By investing in the creation and distribution of relevant, culturally appropriate reading materials, we can empower future generations to embrace reading and unlock their full potential. We need to champion local authors and publishers, making books as common as a plate of food on every Ugandan table. Only then will we witness a transformation—a shift in the way Ugandans engage with the written word, and in the broader development of our nation.

Let’s make reading cool again. The time is now!

The writer is the Director of Business Development of Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation-UPPC