We are excited about this recently established prize centering Ugandan literary voices. The winners of the 2021 Janzi Awards were announced at a ceremony held at Kokomo Independence Grounds in Kampala, on 11 December 2021.

The Janzi Awards, in its inaugural year, is one of its kind in Uganda. Hosted by the Uganda Development Forum (UDF), it seeks to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements, innovation and diversity in Ugandan cultural, creative and performing arts. The awards are presented across various categories including music, visual arts & crafts, and book & publishing.

Apio Eunice Otuko won “Outstanding Book” for Zura Maids, a novel exploring the exploitation of domestic help. Beatrice Lamwaka, a two-time Caine Prize nominee received the award for “Outstanding Fiction Writer” for her short story collection Butterfly Dreams. Charles Peter Magiya received the award for “Outstanding Non-fiction Writer” for his book Work and Prosper. Namulanda by Walaabyeki Magoba was announced winner in the category of “Outstanding Children’s Storybook.” Davis Bamwine won “Outstanding Children’s Book Illustrator.”

The event was officiated by the Minister of Labour, Gender, and Social Development, Peace Mutuuzo. The Janzi Awards is sponsored by Stanbic Bank and the Ugandan Communications Commission (UCC) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Ugandan Musicians Associations and the National Culture Forum, among others.

Congratulations to the writers!

See the full list of winners here.