IHRAM African Writing Associate Mbizo Chirasha in a dynamic exchange with prolific Ugandan Poet, Writer, teacher and cultural activist Kabedoopong Piddo Ddibe'st

MC: Who is Kabedoopong Piddo Ddibe'st, and what is he known for in Uganda and abroad?
Kabedoopong Piddo Ddibe'st: Kabedoopong Piddo Ddibe'st is a Ugandan poet, writer, teacher, and activist deeply connected to the Acoli culture of Northern Uganda. Born in Kitgum District, Northern Uganda in 1990 to peasant parents who have been struggling to educate me due to financial constraints, especially for my university studies, I have struggled for about ten years to get university education — and still struggling to do so after completing my high school in 2012.
My literary works, celebrated both locally and internationally, explore themes such as political corruption, cultural identity, and social justice. Through poetry and prose, I strive to illuminate Uganda's socio-political realities while amplifying marginalized voices. I speak for the voicesless, through writing.

MC: How long have you been writing?
Kabedoopong Piddo Ddibe'st: I have been writing for over a decade, starting in my teenage years. My journey began with a short story in 2010, which was highly praised by my English Language teacher but, unfortunately, lost it during my family's return from a refugee camp. Before venturing into poetry, I wrote music—specifically reggae—producing about 850 lyrics between 2007 and 2016 — lyrics influenced by the war in Northern Uganda. Being a self-taught writer, my writing was laid firmly by the lyrics I wrote. I later transitioned to literature, but first recording three songs, two solo and one in collaboration with Mr. Obella Stephen in 2018. Since then, my focus has been purely literary, moving from scribbled poems to impactful short stories and full-length books addressing complex social issues.

MC: Which genres are you writing in?
Kabedoopong Piddo Ddibe'st: My writing spans poetry, plays, and fiction, with an emphasis on satirical and traditional narrative epic poetry. My writing centres on themes such as political corruption—targeting vices rather than individuals—identity, and human resilience. It doesn't only covers those but more other universal themes affecting humanity too.

MC: How is writing and art received in Uganda?
Kabedoopong Piddo Ddibe'st: Writing and art in Uganda are gradually gaining momentum despite significant challenges, including limited readership and inadequate institutional support. However, their importance as tools for cultural preservation and social critique is increasingly being recognized, particularly by the youth and academia.

MC: Does the Ugandan system respect free expression and free speech?
Kabedoopong Piddo Ddibe'st: While free expression exists in Uganda, it often faces limitations due to political and social constraints. Writers and artists are sometimes censored or targeted when their work challenges the status quo or addresses controversial issues. That makes you know what I mean now. All in all, writers are prophets with messages societies always take for granted until it's too late.

MC: Do you write on gender equity, environmental, and creative justice?
Kabedoopong Piddo Ddibe'st: Yes, my works frequently touch on these critical themes. I explore women’s resilience and empowerment in the face of adversity, environmental justice concerning land grabbing and displacement, and creative justice, emphasizing art and literature as transformative tools for societal change.

MC: Where is your work published, anthologies, magazines, and journals?
Kabedoopong Piddo Ddibe'st: My work has appeared in numerous anthologies, magazines, and journals, including The Blaque Mirror (my own online poetry magazine), Writers Space Africa, and other international platforms.

MC: How many books have you written, and how many are published?
Kabedoopong Piddo Ddibe'st: I have written several books, including The Bridge Between (an epic poetry in the publication process), both of which are published. My upcoming novel, A Wreath for Flies, touching on the themes of systematic corruption, poverty, education, resilience, and identity, among others. A greater part of the story in the book is the experience I went through in quest of education since then, having passed my UACE well, and seeing that none can help unless I help myself. I have come to a philosophical conclusion about that that "nobody believes you that you need help while you live untill you die, then they come to help bury you" — lavishing feasts and splashing millions of money to praise you before your family and friends for your heroic efforts while alive. Therefore, the book addresses all those and more — brilliantly and effortlessly. Therefore, anyone who could help me through my university studies, and/or publication of my works would be highly appreciated.

MC: Who is your inspiration, and why?
Kabedoopong Piddo Ddibe'st: My literary journey has been shaped by icons like Chinua Achebe, for his cultural authenticity; Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, for his revolutionary spirit; and Okot p’Bitek, for his Acoli heritage and his masterful use of poetry to critique societal issues. These legends, among many others, inspire my mission to use literature as a tool for advocacy and cultural preservation.

MC: How many writing, creative, and artistic platforms have you participated in?
Kabedoopong Piddo Ddibe'st: I have actively participated in a wide range of literary platforms both locally and internationally, such as The Critique Magazine(Uganda), Somnia Blue (Australia), Tuck Magazine (Germany), Setu Magazine (Switzerland), The Independent Newspaper(Uganda), Indology Anthology (India), OPA(India), Save Africa Poetry and Short Stories Anthology (USA), Dandelion in a Vase of Roses (USA), The Scarlet Leaf Review (Canada), The Atunis Galaxy Magazine (Albania), WordCityLit(Canada), The Blackpride Magazine (Nigeria) and BraveVoicesQuarterly (Zimbabwe), among others. My works have been featured in over 20 respected spaces that amplify African and global voices.

Kabedoopong Piddo Ddibe'st is a distinguished Ugandan poet, author, teacher, and literary editor. Raised in Northern Uganda, he is committed to addressing themes such as identity, politics, and resilience. His literary contributions include works featured in international anthologies, magazines, and newspapers.
Kabedoopong is the author of A Bridge Without the River and The Bridge Between and the upcoming novel A Wreath for Flies, which examines corruption, land grabbing, and the enduring human spirit through the life of Komakec, a young man grappling with rural struggles and political deceit.
He is the founder of The Blaque Mirror, an online poetry magazine that amplifies Black voices while fostering dialogue on culture, identity, and politics. As an English Language and Literature teacher, Kabedoopong inspires future leaders and thinkers. His works are celebrated for their satirical sharpness, deep paradoxes, and commitment to unearthing life’s harsh realities in Uganda and beyond. Kabedoopong resides in Kampala, Uganda, and can be reached at kabedoopongpiddoddibest@gmail.com.