This archive report was first published on 29 June 2019.
On a rainy morning in Kampala, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi walked into a hotel lobby, smiling warmly. Clad in a sleeveless cream top and flowered slacks, she exuded a sense of calm, a far cry from the intensity of her writing. Makumbi, one of East Africa's finest writers, had just published her latest book, Manchester Happened, a collection of short stories inspired by her experiences moving from Uganda to Britain.
As we settled down for an interview, Makumbi spoke with ease, her words flowing like a gentle stream. She talked about writing, editing, and her latest book, which was launched at the Africa Writers Trust conference in Kampala. The stories in Manchester Happened are all inspired by Makumbi's move to Britain, where she settled and observed the Ugandan community.
'I didn't just write about being in Manchester,' Makumbi explained. 'I wrote about what happens to the family and the shifting place of women, men, and children once they move away from home.' The stories in the collection are a testament to Makumbi's skill as a writer, weaving together themes of identity, culture, and belonging.
One of the stories, 'Christmas Is Coming,' tells the tale of a 13-year-old boy obsessed with going back to Uganda. Makumbi spoke about her own experiences moving to Britain, where she missed home and the familiar comforts of Uganda. 'I went as an older person rather than as a young person,' she said, 'so I didn't grapple with the same issues as Luzinda in the story.'
Makumbi's writing is not just about her own experiences, but also about the people she has met and observed along the way. She spoke about the fluidity of identity, how people can take on new identities and cultures without even realizing it. 'When I'm writing in my mind, I'm talking to a Ugandan,' she said. 'That affects the way I write, my language, the subject matter, attitude, and tone.'
As we talked, Makumbi shared her thoughts on the importance of prizes in propelling writers. 'Winning a prize makes a huge difference,' she said, 'not only the money but in terms of recognition.' She spoke about the impact of the Windham-Campbell Prize on her career, which has taken her on a whirlwind tour of literary festivals and events.
But Makumbi's words were not without controversy. She spoke about the idea that there can only be one 'Achebe' at a time, and how Chimamanda Adichie has become a celebrity in her own right. 'I think she is where she is now because of the TED talks and because she is talking about Trump,' Makumbi said. 'She has transcended writing and become an icon.'
As our conversation drew to a close, Makumbi spoke about the importance of creative writing programs in Africa. 'It would be great if African universities started creative writing departments,' she said. 'A lot of Africans are going to Europe and paying a lot of money to do MFAs.'
