Uganda

^{Courtesy: AllAfrica. By Stephen Ssenkaaba . New Vision (Kampala)}

^{WHILE performing arts appeal quickly to the public, it is the visual arts that create a lasting impression. The Commonwealth delegate will descend onto a country with a rich tradition of the visual arts, one whose past, present and perhaps future lies in its paintings, sculptures, ceramics, prints and monuments. Before the advent of modern art, introduced in Uganda in 1937 by Margaret Trowel, art was already in practice. The use of clay to make pots and jars among the Baganda, Acholi and Langi, was a known skill.}

^{From western Uganda came the beautiful baskets woven out of sisal and milk jars. The beads, the cow and goat hides and skin and the barkcloth were at the heart of Uganda's visual arts. Such traditional materials have become a symbolic reference point for many local artists today, while cultural activities such as traditional dances, courtship, initiation and marriage are a conduit for expression of modern ideas by many these artists. Much of this work is executed in western style, as a result of the introduction of modern art, especially at Makerere University and other institutions.}

^{Uganda has as such produced phenomenal artists who have produced works that have touched hearts and changed society.}

^{Prof. Francis Musangogwantatmu, Pilkington Sengendo, Kefa Sempangi, Francis Nagenda, Serulyo and Augustine Mugalula Mukiibi belong to the older generation of Uganda's artists. Their work, which portrays different themes in African settings, can be found at Makerere University art gallery, the Uganda Museum and the Nommo Gallery. Some of Nagenda's phenomenal wood sculpture work such as the Victim (showing a one-legged war victim and now displayed at Makerere University are major tourist attractions.}

^{Following very closely in Nagenda's footsteps are Maria Naita, one of few lady sculptors whose work includes the famous freedom fighters' monument in Kabamba and Dr. George Kyeyune, who has executed Albert Cook's bust at Mengo Hospital and Kabaka Mutebi's monument at Bulange, Mengo.}

^{At the Twin Heritage Gallery in Wandegeya, Mukiibi displays paintings depicting various cultures and the activities of different peoples of Uganda. His use of wood, barkcloth and other materials to express his ideas is phenomenal. Jak Katarikawe is one of the most renowned self-taught artists. His work, characterised by naïve exaggerated images, has become a symbol for the ancient African monumental sculptural art. Nuwa Wamala Nnyanzi, another self-taught artist, has personified batik painting in Uganda. For over 25 years now, he has been telling moving stories of love, beautiful landscapes, culture, of political, religious and social themes through his colourful, dynamic images. His work is all over the world and can be obtained from the Cultural Village, next to the National Theatre where he owns Nnyanzi art studio.}

^{Monumental sculptures like the Independence monument by Gregory Maloba on Speke Road and one for freedom fighters at Kababacontinue to define the history of our country.} 

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