JINJA INTERNATIONAL POETRY FESTIVAL

Team Lead

KEITH MUGANZA

Keith Muganza is a Ugandan poet hailing from Jinja and living in Kampala. His strength lies in his satirical poetry and poetry by the need for social justice. Most of his work is based on Ugandan life and how he interacts with day-to-day dealings in his life. Apart from writing and performing poetry, he sets up spaces for poetry to grow and for grooming younger poets. He is a co-founder of Chill Monday, a poetry open mic night at Wild Coffee Bar, and co-curator of a monthly poetry night, SPOKEN, at Casa De Roy, where poets are given a space to perform new material. He is the CEO and founder of the Jinja International Poetry Festival.

Contact Keith at keithmuganza@gmail.com.

Team Member

Bumba Johnbaptist

Bumba Johnbaptist is the Head of the legal team in the Jinja International Poetry Festival and has an experience in both The Law and Public Relations. Film fanatic artist and delves into art for passion , with a great sense of artistry in public speech, poetry and music

Team Member

Mbeiza Gloria

Mbeiza Gloria is the founder and coordinator Mr and Miss Poetic Uganda; one of the programs under Jinja Poetry Festival. Mr And Miss Poetic Uganda is a program aimed at advancing the skill set of the new generation of poets from ages 15 to 22 years. Gloria has amazing experience in both written and stage poetry. She is a reigning Miss Tourism Busoga YUASA Ambassador pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Travel and Tourism Management.

Team Member

Geofrey Ssenyondo

Geofrey Ssenyondo also known as Geof d’Poet on all social media platforms. A Ugandan and a passionate spoken word poet that performs originally written content. He is the artists and performance coordinator. He has a mad passion for poetry and as he say "My desire in writing has always been to impact others with every topic of choice and every word I use to express my heartbeat. With every single ink, I aim to speak to the downcast, speak for the hurting outcast. I express some poems as letters, some as prayers and some as offerings to those who come before me highlighting social injustices, activism, social consciousness and many more."

Team Member

Cwinya-ai Ivan Mathew

Cwinya-ai Ivan Mathew, also known as D'artizan, is in charge of welfare at the Jinja Poetry Festival. He is not only a poet, but also an MC, creative mobilizer, and a valuable member of the festival team. His dedication to promoting and supporting poetry is evident in his role as the head of welfare, ensuring that all participants and attendees have a positive and enriching experience at the festival. With his passion for the arts and his organizational skills.

Team Member

Bon'Dieu Williams

I'm Bon'Dieu Williams, a poet, writer, and travel enthusiast. I head the Poetry At The Nile department at Jinja International Poetry Festival, a program that combines poetry and tourism. A very passionate lady about exploring Uganda's beauty and culture through travel and creative expression. In her words " I'm honored to be part of the Jinja International Poetry Festival and excited to share my love for poetry and Uganda with others."

Team Member

Roland Ainebyoona

Roland Ainebyoona aka Roland95 is the Finance assistant and part of the welfare team at the Jinja Poetry Festival and he is a very passionate individual when it comes to spoken word and public speaking. He is also a Radio&Tv presenter,Language tutor, speech instructor, voice over artist, writer and a cooperate event Mc. He brings his passion and love for poetry on board for the Jipf.

Team Member

Nyarwoth Mercedes

Nyarwoth Mercedes an exceptional poet and spokenword artist has a number of titles and accolades; she was the first runner up of the East African Poetic Hour Battle 2022/2023 and also the current award winner of the National Students Anti-curruption challenge 2024 under the poetry Genre. She mastered the art of soetry which is song and poetry fusion and loves the way words can be organized to change the people's lives. She is the programs manager of the Jinja International Poetry Festival. She is part of the organizers of a "Spoken". She is also currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at Kyambogo University.

Team Member

Ibona Andrew Kabagambe

Ibona Andrew Kabagambe is the Head of Marketing in the Jinja Poetry Festival and has an experience in both Journalism and Public Relations. Film fanatic, more inclined to Documentary making, with a great sense of artistry in photography and videography.

Team Member

Nakasujja Babirye Hindu

Nakasujja Babirye Hindu is the financial controller in the Jinja International Festival. She Is also a spokenword artist,writer and critic. Has experience when it comes to the finance field as well as the arts industry,. You could call her a Jack of all trades and master to none.

Team Member

Genowere Fortunate Milcent

Genowere Fortunate Milcent often called Fortune by most people, is a versatile individual born on September 2nd. Fortune is a dedicated student of sign language and Python, including software development. As a computer enthusiast, Fortune enjoys exploring various aspects of technology and continuously learning new skills. With a natural talent for acting and a passion for photography, Fortune embodies the spirit of a true polymath, always eager to embrace creativity and innovation.