During the handover ceremony on November 6, 2025, university deputy vice-chancellor (academic affairs) Prof. David Okello Owiny received the books from FEMRITE executive director Hilda Twongyeirwe. (Credit: Christopher Nyeko)

GULU - Gulu University has received a donation of 17 literary books, which are expected to boost the reading culture of the students and sharpen their analytical skills.

The donation was made by the Uganda Women Writers Association (FEMRITE), as part of the 5th Poetry Poster Project.

The donation coincided with the launch of the poetry anthology: A Lunatic Sanity, which features five Gulu University students as contributors.

The contributing students are: Beatrice Atala (Law), Joan Kiden, Brian Kiiza, Tabitha Leka and Rehema Nakato (English and Literature at the Faculty of Education and Humanities).

FEMRITE, founded in 1995 and officially launched in May 1996 by deceased presidential advisor and former university lecturer Mary Karooro Okurut, seeks to provide a platform for Ugandan women to write, publish, and amplify their voices through literature and mentorship.

During the handover ceremony on November 6, 2025, university deputy vice-chancellor (academic affairs) Prof. David Okello Owiny received the books from FEMRITE executive director Hilda Twongyeirwe.

He commended FEMRITE’s long-standing commitment to nurturing literary talent and affirmed the university’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with the organisation.

Owiny further urged universities to revitalise writers' clubs as incubators for creativity and literary growth. Citing the historical influence of the African Writers Series, he emphasised the importance of sustained support for young writers.

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He also called for dialogue on the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in creative writing, noting, “Writers need to debate and consider the implications of artificial intelligence, as it poses a threat across all sectors.”

Hilda Twongyeirwe appreciated Gulu University’s collaboration with FEMRITE and highlighted the abundance of literary talent within the student community.

She encouraged the inclusion of the donated books in the language and literature curriculum to enrich contemporary reading materials.

The event was also attended by Prof. Okumu Charles, a renowned literary scholar recognised for his critical work on Okot p’Bitek’s writings.

The Poetry Poster Project, launched in 2007, fosters collaboration between poets and visual artists to produce book and poster publications.

Previous editions—Painted Voices Vol. 1, Painted Voices Vol. 2, Butterfly Dance, and Go Tell Home, have involved multiple universities, including Makerere, Bishop Stuart, Kabale, Kyambogo, Muni, and now Gulu University.

Notably, Gulu University spokesperson James Ojok Onono was the second prize winner of the inaugural Poetry Poster Project in 2008 for his poem: Lamunu, My Mother, written while he was a student at Gulu Central High School.