Omugave Ndugwa Explained

Joseph Semakula Ndugwa, commonly known as Omugave Ndugwa, was a Ugandan writer. He had over 40 years of experience in Uganda's arts industry as an author, script writer, director and producer. He notably wrote over 30 plays, 300 poems, and a couple of films.^[1]

Biography

Ndugwa, in 1969, joined the Jinja Dramatics Society (JDS) and, in 1971, the Kampala Negro Angels.^[2]

In 1978, after leaving the Negro Angels, he co-founded the Black Pearls with Omulagira John Kayondo and others.^[2] Ndugwa's long-time friend, Edrisa Wankalubo Simwogerere, supported the group's establishment by providing resources.^[2]

After a challenging period in the late 1990s, Ndugwa returned to Uganda from the U.S. in 2000, reviving and renaming the Riverside theatre as The Pearl theatre.^{[2] [3]} However, evolving audience preferences and logistical issues resulted in declining popularity, leading to Ndugwa's eventual retreat and the venue's transformation into a motor vehicle spare parts shop.^[2]

Notable works produced during his career include, Obulamu Bwa Sambirige and Office Njerere.^[2]

Before his death, he had embarked on movie production, a chapter he began in 2013 with a film version of his 1988 play “Emikwano nsi” which he directed and co-produced with Hemdee Kiwanuka.

Ndugwa died on June 9, 2022 after suffering from prostrate cancer.^{[4] [5] [6]}

Bibliography

• Obulamu bwa Ssembirige (1972)^[2]
• Olugendo lwa Wasajja (1974)^[2]
• Ssegirinya ne Naggirinya (1975)^[2]
• Sseruganda Tontya (1976)^[2]
• Office Njereere (1975)^[2]
• Nsalala n’Omukwano (1978)^[2]
• Wasajja mu Bizinga by’e Sesse (1978)^[2]
• Ekitangaala mu Nzikiza (1981)^[2]
• Oluyimba lw’e Nderema (1983)^[2]
• Omusaayi gw’obutiko (1983)^[2]
• Zziribasanga ne Ssanyu (1983)^[2]
• Ggalimpitawa (1984)^[2]
• Amaka mu Buwanganguse (1985)^[2]
• Emikwano Nsi (1988)^[2]
• The Divided Family – Oluyo (1988)^[2]
• Ekimuli mu Maggwa I (1988)^[2]
• Ekimuli mu Maggwa II (1989)^[2]
• The Narrow Escape – Olugwanyu (1990)^[2]
• Traffic Jam – Akalippo (1991)^[2]
• Olutindo lw’Emomboze – The Orphan's Bridge (1991)^[2]
• Saa Mbaya (1992)^[2]
• Ku Saawa Esembayo (1992)^[2]
• Mayengo (1994)^[2]
• Ekkoligo (1995)^[2]
• Enseekeezi (1996)^[2]
• Eka (1996)^[2]
• Erindya (1998)^[2]
• Nnamukwakula (1998)^[2]
• Endalagge (1999)^[2]
• Kirimuttu (2000)^[2]
• Ssekkono (2003)^[2]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Buule . Gabriel . 2022-06-09 . Theatre Legend, Omugave Joseph Ndugwa Succumbs to Cancer – Sqoop – Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos . 2023-06-17 . en-US.
2. Web site: Remembering Omugave Ndugwa, the flamboyant, witty playwright. observer.ug. 20 September 2022 . 2023-06-16.
3. Web site: Omugaave Ndugwa back in town - New Vision Official. newvision.co.ug. 2023-06-16.
4. Web site: Omugave Ndugwa Joseph Ssemakula bangi beyatendeka okuzannya Katemba nga tabasabye wadde ekikumi – kitalo bamusaaliddwa. CBS FM. 9 June 2022 . 2023-06-16.
5. Web site: The people we lost in 2022. Monitor. 25 December 2022 . 2023-06-16.
6. Web site: Omugave Ndugwa alese abaana 20 - New Vision Official. newvision.co.ug. 2023-06-16.