- This special event took place at Kenyatta University, Kenya, an institution that has hosted Bukenya as a teacher for many years.
- During this outstanding event, Bukenya was celebrated with different presentations, including poetry, drama, and honorary speeches about his life as a teacher and literary “guru.”
- Literary writers and teachers are the guardians of knowledge and the stewards of wisdom.
Teachers and scholars have been left unappreciated for a long time, especially in the contemporary community.
It is even worrying that most of them are never recognized for their massive contributions to the lives and economy of the global village.
This has continued to a level whereby the government makes teachers live on peanut pay, especially in Kenya.
In the literature space, there exists a profound symbiosis between the writers who craft worlds with words and the teachers who nurture the minds that will one day shape those worlds.
Recently, the literary community celebrated a milestone in the life of Mwalimu Augustine Bukenya, the venerable Ugandan scholar and teacher, as he marked his 80th birthday.
This special event took place at Kenyatta University, Kenya, an institution that has hosted Bukenya as a teacher for many years.
The event was an opportunity for Bukenya’s students, colleagues, and mentees to celebrate his impact on their lives and the society at large.
This occasion not only served as a reminder of Bukenya’s remarkable journey but also underscored the significance of honoring literary luminaries and educators for their invaluable contributions to their students and society.
Childhood
Bukenya, who prefers to be called Mwalimu, was born in 1944 in Masaka town, Southern Uganda, where his father worked as a policeman.
His family later moved to Kitukutwe, 15 miles from Kampala.
His father was a staunch Catholic who would narrate biblical stories, which he would alternate with his mother’s folk stories.
According to Bukenya, these stories inspired his imagination.
Well, all great writers got to listen to or read great stories from childhood; surprisingly, Mwalimu Bukenya was never left out.
During this outstanding event, Bukenya was celebrated with different presentations, including poetry, drama, and honorary speeches about his life as a teacher and literary “guru.”
Jerusha Kananu and Tony Mochama, renowned poets, recited powerful poems for Mwalimu, and Okumba Miruka gave his submission about Mwalimu’s life and orature.
Education background
Mwalimu attended Gayaza Primary School and joined Kisubi Seminary, where he studied three languages: French, English and Latin.
It pains me when I see parents or teachers punish their kids for being multilingual. However, research or even apparent testimonials indicate that multilingual kids are generally intelligent.
For Bukenya, being multilingual would soon inform his literary thinking and future academic career.
His growing passion for literature was soon cemented at Namilyango College, where he took his O- and A-level exams.
In 1965, he went to Dar es Salaam University, where he continued to nurture his keen interest in Language and Linguistics, in addition to a growing interest in Kiswahili.
He studied Language Linguistics and Literature and Education (LLLE) for his undergraduate course.
Most of Bukenya’s writings are in Kiswahili, and he attributes this to his grandmother, whose roots can be traced back to Dar es Salaam.
He was also inspired by linguistic teachers, including Wilson Whitely, a British author famous for his book, Kiswahili: the Rising of a National Language.
Bukenya joined Makerere as a postgraduate student in 1968 and later developed the oral literature course.
He also studied at universities in Madagascar and England and took his higher degrees at Makerere and Kenyatta Universities.
Teaching others
He has taught languages, literature, and drama at Makerere University in Uganda and at universities in the UK, Tanzania, and Kenya since the late 1960s.
He is a literary legend worth celebrating around and about these corners of the literary world.
As a poet, a novelist and a keen actor, Bukenya was introduced to theatre and inspired to become a writer by his parents, who were strong believers in Kiganda traditions.
This immersion of theatre in everyday life was also a part of Bukenya’s education, who grew up in a Ugandan village where he “witnessed numerous performances of children’s traditional songs and dances, games and rhythms” that inspired and influenced his writing career.
Bukenya wrote his first prize-winning play in 1964, based on stories told to him by his mother.
Literary works
He has since written numerous plays and radio dramas, but only managed to publish two of his plays, The Secret and The Bride.
Bukenya’s works include The Mermaid of Msambweni, The Bride – a play in four parts, and John Ruganda’s The Floods, among others.
He has taught in Kenya at Kenyatta University and Bayreuth University, Department of African Studies in Germany.
His recent publication, A Hole in the Sky, focuses on the need to protect the environment and honors the late Kenyan Environmental activist and Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai.
His work has been featured on the pan-African poetry platform Badilisha Poetry Radio. He is also an honorary member of FEMRITE.
Bukenya’s life story is a testament to the transformative power of literature and education.
As a scholar, he has dedicated decades to the exploration and dissemination of knowledge, delving into the rich traditions of African literature and customs.
His works have not only enriched academic discourse but have also offered profound insights into the human condition, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives.
However, Bukenya’s influence extends far beyond the confines of academia.
As a teacher, he has inspired countless students to embark on their own intellectual journeys, instilling in them a passion for literature and a commitment to critical thinking.
Through his guidance and mentorship, he has empowered individuals to navigate the complexities of the world with empathy, insight, and wisdom.
“I am proud to be your student; you taught me well, and that has taken me far from memory lane,” confirmed Kisa Amateshe, Bukenya’s student.
Bukenya’s story is one example of the countless literary giants and educators whose contributions have shaped our cultural landscape and inspired generations of thinkers, writers, and leaders.
From the timeless prose of Shakespeare to the revolutionary ideas of bell hooks, from the classrooms of bustling cities to the remote villages of distant lands, literary writers and teachers have left an indelible mark on humanity.
Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, it is all too easy to overlook the importance of celebrating these unsung heroes.
“I first met Mwalimu as a young man in the field, in my uncle’s house. I didn’t realize we were such close relatives, but since that encounter, as a thespian, and in the footsteps of Dr. Wasambo Were, the late Mwalimu became a personal mentor and teacher,” said Dr. Wanjohi Wa Makokha.
Distinct
In a world that often prioritizes material success and instant gratification, the quiet dedication of scholars and teachers can easily be taken for granted.
However, the impact of their work reverberates far beyond the pages of textbooks and classroom walls.
Literary writers and teachers are the guardians of knowledge and the stewards of wisdom.
They possess the ability to ignite curiosity, foster empathy, and challenge the status quo.
They are the architects of imagination and change.
By celebrating their achievements and honoring their contributions, we pay tribute to individuals and reaffirm our commitment to the pursuit of truth, beauty, and enlightenment.
“This 2024 will only be a celebration of the life of Mwalimu. We will join our colleagues in Kampala later in the year to shower Mwalimu with countless grace and love in the Pearl of Africa,” added Makokha.
This reflection on the life and legacy of Bukenya and countless others like him should be a testament to the importance of nurturing and cherishing the literary giants and educators who enrich our lives and shape our collective destinies.
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We should celebrate their tireless dedication, boundless passion, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge.
And always remember that the greatest gift we can give to future generations is the gift of education and the love of literature.
