From an idyllic childhood in Mbale to a life that helped shape African literature, this Footprints Podcast episode follows Professor Timothy Wangusa’s journey of self-discovery, artistry, leadership, and the power of three words that set his compass. Born in 1942 in colonial Uganda, he grew up under Masaba’s Mountain, nourished by folklore, Bible stories, and schoolroom tales that stirred an early love of language.

Herding cattle was his first classroom; formal schooling began at a missionary primary in Manafwa, where compulsory orations introduced him to John the Apostle, “Baana bange mwagalanenga” (love one another), a phrase that ignited his lifelong fascination with words.

A bibliophile through junior school, Nabumali High (O-Level), and King’s College Budo (A-Level), Wangusa studied English at Makerere, writing his first poem as an undergraduate. During his master’s at the University of Leeds, a satirical notice, “The State is my Shepherd”, sparked his renowned “Psalms 23, Part II.” His passion yielded a distinguished body of work, including Salutations: Poems; Upon This Mountain; A Pattern of Dust; Anthem for Africa; Africa’s New Brood; and “A Taxi Driver on His Death.” His writing blends folklore, Christian-inflected maxims, and clear-eyed reflections on Uganda’s public life.

Returning home, he joined Makerere’s Department of Literature (1969), beginning three decades in academia. He describes teaching as “an absolute pleasure,” later serving as Head of Department and Dean of Arts. Beyond campus, he was Uganda’s Minister of Education (1985–86), a Member of Parliament (1989–96), and Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (2003–2017).

Among proud moments: a standing ovation after a lecture on poetic form; “Psalms 23, Part II” recognized as an East African classic; and the poem read by the President during a Makerere graduation. Choosing transition on his terms, he left Makerere at 60 (not 75) to embrace new leadership roles; during COVID-19 he moved classes online. With homes in Mukono and Manafwa, he continues to write poetry and articles in retirement, and is currently at work on his third novel.

Wangusa’s journey reminds us that vocation can be awakened by seemingly small encounters, a story, a phrase, three words, and that where there is passion, there is purposefulness. His counsel to leaders, young and old: meet change with optimism, initiate your own transitions, and keep finding meaning in the work.

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©Blurb written byDivine Karungi

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