Congratulations on the publication of your journal, "Shreds of Hope" Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you started writing?

I was born at Gulu Hospital in Northern Uganda to the late Mr Kwesiga Benerd and Mrs Orikiriza Edith. I attended Aunt Norah Nursery School, Jack and Jill Nursery and Primary School, St.Kizito Primary School Bugolobi and St.Paul’s Secondary School Bukinda for both O and A level. I then attended Kyambogo University for my higher education, where I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts with Education (Literature in English and English Language).

My late father was a UPDF soldier and my mother was a police officer, so we moved to several parts of Uganda. This has helped me to appreciate various traditions in Uganda and the world at large.

I didn’t start writing overnight. My love for writing dates back to when I was a little girl at Aunt Norah Nursery School. I must say, it started with my love for reading and writing lessons. I was also a member of the writing club at St. Kizito Primary School Bugolobi, where we made many scrapbooks and other writings as a group. I also edited and actively participated in the publication of our first school magazine, THE SUMMIT, at St. Paul’s Secondary School, Bukinda. As a teacher, I wrote the essential guide to O-level literature for my students.

What inspired you to become a writer, and what motivates you to continue writing?

My late mother inspired me to write. She always praised me as a great reader and after her death, her handwritten journal drove me to write SHREDS OF HOPE. All these coupled with my love for libraries, inspired me to become a writer.

My belief that a writer lives for eternity inspires me to continue writing. For instance, Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare’s works of literature are proof that a writer lives even after their death. My love for sharing knowledge, skills and experiences also keeps me on my feet as a writer.

What is the central theme or message that you aim to convey through your journal collection, "Shreds of Hope!"?

Optimism is the central theme of SHREDS OF HOPE.

The journal is intended to provide hope and confidence to all readers as they walk their journey on planet Earth each day that passes by. 

Can you walk us through your creative process when writing this collection? How did you select the quotes that made it into the final publication?

Like most things, there is a process to writing. Over the years, I kept a diary where I would randomly write short quotations that I gathered from the internet, the Bible and different workshops right from high school to 2023. When I decided to embark on my writing career and take it seriously, it was very easy for me to write my journal.

I started by typing them on my PC and then divided these quotations into different themes. I then chose to use the months of the year as Chapters to this journal since it was meant for daily use and each day would have a different quotation. Lastly, I did proper research on what each month meant to different people. For example, In December, everyone is excited that the year is coming to an end and looking forward to a new year, hence the theme: Gratitude and Thanksgiving.

How do you think your journal collection reflects the experiences and perspectives of Ugandan women, and what do you hope readers take away from it?

Through the structure of the journal, as it is written in a reflective format. However, it is important to note that this journal is not specifically for women but for both genders.

The journal has short inspiring quotations about different topics which help the reader to get something to reflect on and capture insights and actions during and after a learning experience or long day. This helps them to plan for the next step or goal. SHREDS OF HOPE is a key vehicle for strengthening their learning power and enjoying each day that passes by.

I hope readers find a deep meaning in each quotation and reflect on it. This will enable them to choose hope and joy every day.

Your journal touches on themes of love, identity, and social justice. Can you discuss how feminism influences your writing and how you aim to use your journal as a form of social commentary?

SHREDS OF HOPE is not centred on a specific gender. Therefore, feminism plays a very small role in the journal. However, written by a female, it is important for young girls who also have the passion and desire for writing to make their dreams come true.

The journal can be used as a form of social commentary through, reflecting on current events, exploring personal experiences, brainstorming solutions and engaging in self-reflection. 

How do you think journaling can be used as a tool for social change, particularly in the Ugandan context?

Through self-reflection. This is a great tool for understanding yourself as an independent individual, which is good for social change. I believe change starts with an individual. For instance, the theme of Freedom and Identity makes one aware of who they are, hence embracing their flaws positively. This creates room for change. So, journaling is very vital for effective social change not only in Uganda but in the entire world.

What do you think is the current state of Ugandan literature, and how do you see your work contributing to the country's literary landscape?

Ugandan Literature is really so amazing and different writers are doing an amazing thing to promote it to the world. It is deeply rooted in oral literature, for example, stories and proverbs among many others. It still holds the major role of literature, which is to inform, educate and entertain.

Journaling will introduce something new in the country’s literary landscape, which is; actively having the reader involved in the piece of writing. Being a reflective journal with space where readers have the liberty to note down their goals and thoughts. 

How do you draw inspiration from Ugandan culture and traditions in your writing?

The Ugandan culture is very rich and has a remarkable ethnic diversity. My appreciation for all these different cultures plays an important role in my writings.

All in all, these different cultures share one common thing, which is oral literature, and I embrace it in my reflective journal without clearing pointing to a specific society.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers, particularly young women in Uganda, who may be looking to start their writing journeys?

To the young women and all aspiring Ugandan writers, the time is now. Pen down those thoughts and share them with the world to create a substantial change through entertainment.

What are your plans for future writing projects, and how do you see your writing evolving in the coming years?

I have very many plans for my future writing projects. But most importantly, my journey to writing has just started with the birth of SHREDS OF HOPE. I am looking forward to more writing and interacting with other writers from different parts of the world.

My writing is surely evolving through the different styles of writing. I am now working on my novel BABES IN THE WOOD, which will totally be different from SHREDS OF HOPE. I am still venturing into other different genres I’d Literature as I intend to release more and more pieces. 

Finally, what do you hope readers of "Shreds of Hope” take away from your journal collection, and how do you hope it will resonate with them?

In a nutshell, I strongly believe that readers of SHREDS OF HOPE will be able to have a leap of self-confidence, identify who they are and have hope to face each day with the confidence that things will get better.