The Uganda Poetry Society (UPS) is a Ugandan literary organization dedicated to the promotion, development, and global visibility of Ugandan poetry. It represents Ugandan poetry nationally and internationally and participates in a broader global movement of contemporary poetry. Founded in 2024, the society organizes workshops, performances, youth programs, and administers the Dr. Ivan Edwards Poetry Award.
The Uganda Poetry Society emerged as a collective of poets seeking to strengthen Uganda's literary identity through cooperation and collaboration. The society expanded its activities, including weekly poem features, book reviews, podcasts, visiting poet initiatives, and literary dialogues.
UPS's emergence coincided with a renewed interest in Ugandan poetry, building on traditions shaped by Okot p'Bitek and revitalized by modern collectives such as the Lantern Meet of Poets.
The society is a hub for poets across Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and beyond.
Media coverage has noted UPSâÂÂs increasing regional visibility, citing its new partnerships and expanded programming.
The society's president is Philip Matogo. The vice president is Dr. Ampat Varghese Koshy. They are assisted "by a cadre of dedicated intellectuals."
The society's patron is Prof. Timothy Wangusa, a Ugandan poet, novelist, academic, and former cabinet minister.
UPS operates a range of literary initiatives, including:
A 2026 Watchdog Uganda report noted that the Uganda Poetry Society formed a partnership with the Kampala Film School to support collaboration between poets and filmmakers, reflecting the SocietyâÂÂs efforts to expand interdisciplinary creative opportunities.
The Dr. Ivan Edwards Poetry Award is the society's annual prize and is one of the highest-value poetry awards in East and Central Africa. Initially open to Ugandans, the award is planned to broaden to continental and global participation. Announced in late 2025 and to be awarded in 2026, the prize currently totals US$1,200, with US$1,000 for adults and US$200 for youth under 18.
The award is viewed as enhancing UPSâÂÂs capacity to support emerging poets and promote sustained literary development in the region.
The award was created to "elevate[s] Ugandan talent to global stages" and encourage Ugandans to âÂÂpour out their brillianceâ and prevent creative potential from remaining unrealized. The inaugural theme is Unity.
Regional media coverage highlighted Unity as symbolically significant in a region" shaped by diverse histories and identities."
There is no entry fee, an incentive for marginalized communities to participate.
Submissions may be either:
The award is named after Dr. Ivan Edwards, a Ugandan-born American physician, USAF Reserve Flight Surgeon (Lt Colonel), minister, and poet.
The judging panel includes:
Ugandan and regional media have noted UPS's growing role in the East African literary culture and beyond.
Watchdog Uganda described the Society as part of a wider resurgence of contemporary poetry in East Africa, noting its growing visibility, new partnerships, and expanding regional influence.