Kampala — Ugandans' low reading culture has retarded the growth of literacy in the country, the Vice-President, Gilbert Bukenya, has said.

"However, the culture of reading is slowly picking pace. There are few books to read and that is the more reason for having more writers," Bukenya added.

In a speech read by James Baba, the state minister in his office, Bukenya called on writers to "first concentrate on the local readers before getting to the international level."

This was on Wednesday during an official opening of the 16th National Book week festival at the National Theatre in Kampala.

"We need more books to satisfy our readers' growing demand. A strong reading culture will make the fight against poverty much easier," Bukenya said.

James Tumusiime, the chairmanof the National Book Trust, said in 2005 the Government estimated the national literacy rate to be 68%, of which 76% were male and 61% female.

He thanked the Government for supporting universal access to education, adding that this would improve literacy.