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 wrote over 30 plays, 300 poems, and a couple of films.[1]

Biography

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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.[1]

Ndugwa died on June 9, 2022 after suffering from prostrate cancer.[1][2][4][5][6]

Bibliography

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  • 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]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Buule, Gabriel (2022-06-09). "Theatre Legend, Omugave Joseph Ndugwa Succumbs to Cancer – Sqoop – Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos". Retrieved 2023-06-17.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al "Remembering Omugave Ndugwa, the flamboyant, witty playwright". observer.ug. 20 September 2022. Retrieved 2023-06-16.
  3. ^ "Omugaave Ndugwa back in town - New Vision Official". newvision.co.ug. Retrieved 2023-06-16.
  4. ^ "Omugave Ndugwa Joseph Ssemakula bangi beyatendeka okuzannya Katemba nga tabasabye wadde ekikumi – kitalo bamusaaliddwa". CBS FM. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 2023-06-16.
  5. ^ "The people we lost in 2022". Monitor. 25 December 2022. Retrieved 2023-06-16.
  6. ^ "Omugave Ndugwa alese abaana 20 - New Vision Official". newvision.co.ug. Retrieved 2023-06-16.