Conan Businge
6 July 2007
Kampala — THE Ministry of Education has been criticised for not including local literature books on the syllabus. According to the National Literally Awards Committee chairman, Joseph Mugasa, the syllabus is predominantly 'run' by foreigners.
"This is not going to benefit our reading culture and book industry. Currently, we have only three local authors on the literature syllabus," Mugasa said at the opening of the Book Forum in Kampala on Thursday.
He noted that the number of literature students countrywide had reduced tremendously.
"Research indicates that literature students decreased from 22% in 1985 to 4% in 2000. This trend is scaring."
Samuel Andema, the chairman of the International Reading Association, observed that Ugandans have a poor reading culture.
"The poor reading culture has made us live in ignorance by choice- since we have denied ourselves the opportunity to grow intellectually," he said.
James Tumusiime, the head of the National Book Trust of Uganda, said there was need to develop the book industry.
"Much as we have made some progress, there is still a lot lacking. Our (book) industry is not energetic. If people are purely coming for money in this industry, then that is a mistake," Tumusiime commented.
He called upon local publishers to join hands and boost local writers, especially in the local languages.
Tumusiime announced that the 12th Uganda International Book Fair would be held between September 19 to 20 in Kampala.
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