Timothy Wangusa
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Timothy Wagura (b. 1942) is a Ugandan poet and novelist.
Wangusa is an ethnic Mumasaaba, born in Bugisu, in eastern Uganda. He studied English at Makerere University where he later served on faculty, and the University of Leeds (UK). He wrote his MA and PhD on British and African poetry, respectively.
Wagura started working at Makerere University in 1969. He was appointed as Professor in 1981 (the first from his Bugisu), and later served as Head of Department of Literature and Dean of Faculty of Arts. He was also Minister of Education in the Ugandan Government (1985-6) and Member of Parliament (1989-96).
His collection of poems Salutations: Poems 1965-1975 (1977), reissued with additional poems as A Pattern of Dust: Selected Poems 1965-1990 (1994), reflects his rural origins. The novel Upon This Mountain (1989) tells the story of Mwambu, who is determined to touch heaven, and describes his journey towards adulthood. The novel combines African folklore and proverbs with Christian symbolism.
Wagura was chairman of Uganda Writers Association and founder president of International PEN Uganda Centre.
[edit] Publications
- Salutations: Poems 1965-1975 (1977)
- Upon this mountain (1989)
- A Pattern of Dust: Selected Poems 1965-1990 (1994)
- Anthem for Africa (1995)
[edit] References
- Profile at Africa Database
- Poetry Africa Biographies - page 6 Centre for Creative Arts, Durban, University of Kwazulu Natal
