The Nalubaale Review, the Uganda-based literary magazine has opened two simultaneous calls for submissions.
The first is a general call for submissions for the magazine’s upcoming issue, themed Urban Life & Modernity. The editors are looking for work that captures the pulse of the city, its rhythms, contradictions, and the raw resilience it demands of those who live in it. Poetry (up to three poems), short fiction (1,500 to 3,000 words), creative nonfiction and essays (up to 2,500 words), and visual art and photography (up to three high-resolution pieces) are all welcome. Work must be original and unpublished. The deadline for this call is 30 April 2026, and submissions should be sent to [email protected] with the subject line Submission – Urban Life & Modernity.
The second call is broader and more ambitious: an open call for full manuscripts from African writers, both on the continent and in the diaspora. The Nalubaale Review is seeking novels, poetry collections, short story collections, essays, and creative nonfiction, bold, original, thought-provoking work that reflects the richness, diversity, and complexity of African experiences and imaginations. Fresh voices are especially encouraged. Submissions should be unpublished, in English, and no longer than 100,000 words. The deadline for this call is 30 June 2026, and manuscripts should also be sent to [email protected].
Both calls are open to writers based anywhere in Africa, as well as writers of African descent living abroad. AI-generated work is not accepted, the editors are looking for writers’ original voices, in all their particularity.
The Nalubaale Review has been publishing since 2019, and its back issues, including its fifth issue themed Departure, are available on its website. For African writers looking for a platform that is genuinely invested in the full range of African literary expression, this is one to watch.
Submit to both calls at [email protected].
OLUNG GODFREY May 28, 2026 08:48
Hello Dear, I hope all is well. I am so thrilled to learn about the call for application from writers of African decent. I am Godfrey Olung from Kwania District in Northern Uganda, but currently working and residing in Gulu. I have authored two novels: Is Dad Dead? and The Return of the Goldens. I would like to sumbit my novels and I would like to be guided on the submission procedures. Do I have to sumbit only the synopsis or the full manuscript? secondly, should I submit in Word document or in PDF? The manuscript are very original without any AI concept and has been reviewed by prominent editors (Carol Beyange and Julius Ocwinyo), and recommended for publishing. I will be glad to hear from you and I look forward to submitting one of my novels, especially Is Dad Dead? before the deadline. your timely response and guidance will be highly appreciated. Yours faithfully Olung Godfrey