The Sanyu Daily | Thursday, September 18, 2025
š¤ Welcome to your daily dose of clarity, purpose and power.
It's Thursday - the day we do 'TUB'...oba 'The Ugandan Book'
We shall cover five books - but trust me -you wont leave your seat or phone.
āļø Be4 we shoot - Yesterday we had a question on 'Luwombo'!?
And we loved the answers š- People indeed love 'Luwombo' .
Here is a response from Jeremy B. from Finland.
'Luwombo is a traditional Ugandan dish where fish, chicken or beef meat or mushrooms is steamed in wrapped banana leaves. The steam brings a smoky yummy flavour to the dish - keeping the luwombo soup incredibly moist and tender. Luwombo can be served with Matooke, Rice or Kalo'
Thank You Jeremy.
Now, back to our books
Today's collection are books that offer a comprehensive and moving portrait of Uganda's history, its enduring spirit and endless beauty.
It is often said that 'politics is the entertainment division of the military industrial complex' and that "Family is family -it is not determined by marriage certificates, divorce papers, and adoption documents' š
That is the feeling you will get when you read these five books.
Buckle up.
Number one is Kosiya Kifefe by Arthur Gakwandi .
This book is an account of a young manās journey through a society grappling with political intrigue, corruption, and a desire for power. Itās a story about dreams, disillusionment, and the complex journey of growing up in a rapidly changing world. You can find this title at Goodreads
Number two is Alex Mukuluās theatrical work, 30 Years of Banana.
It is a satirical and thought-provoking critique of Uganda's first three decades of independence. The play uses a refugeeās perspective to hilariously yet poignantly examine the social, political, and economic challenges the country has faced. Itās a powerful piece of drama that raises more questions than it answers about the nature of leadership and the struggle for survival. Purchase links can be found at AbeBooks.
Number three is Tropical Fish, by Doreen Baingana.
This is a beautifully woven collection of short stories that follow three sisters navigating life in post-Idi Amin Uganda. The book delves into universal themes of family, love, religion, and identity, all while exploring the specific challenges and nuances of a country in flux. Bainganaās prose is both delicate and powerful, providing an intimate look at the lives of young women coming of age. The book is available at Penguin Random House.
Number four is Okot p'Bitekās iconic poems, Song of Lawino and Song of Ocol, -'the cornerstones of East African literature'.
The twin poems capture a dramatic cultural conflict: Lawino, a traditional Acholi woman, laments her Westernized husband, Ocol, who has rejected his heritage in favor of a foreign lifestyle. This work brilliantly explores the clash between African traditions and encroaching European culture, offering a poignant and rhythmic dialogue on post-colonial identity. You can buy this book from Better World Books.
And Number Five is Mary Karooro Okurutās The Invisible Weevil and Other Stories.
A fictionalized account of Uganda's turbulent post-colonial history. The novel uses the central metaphor of a āweevilā to symbolize the various afflictionsāfrom political corruption to the HIV/AIDS epidemicāthat have plagued the nation. It is a story of resilience, female empowerment, and the struggle for education and progress in the face of immense adversity. Copies can be purchased at Better World Books.
Have blissful Thursday.
The Sanyu Daily Team.
