By Admin
The Uganda Poetry Society (UPS) has announced that the Dr. Ivan Edwards Poetry Award will remain completely free to enter, even as the total prize value rises to $1,200. The award offers $1,000 for adults and $200 for youth.
The society’s decision comes at a time when many high-value competitions across Africa charge entry fees, often excluding participants from rural areas, low-income backgrounds, and younger poets. UPS says it aims to ensure that talent, not money, determines who rises.
“No Ugandan should be priced out of their own brilliance,” the society stated, emphasizing the importance of making poetry accessible to all, including young writers without smartphones, students in rural areas, and single parents.
The Dr. Ivan Edwards Poetry Award is currently the largest poetry prize in East Africa, and UPS highlights that its significance lies not only in its monetary value but also in its philosophy of inclusivity.
The society says the award represents a model for African literary institutions, providing high value, credibility, visibility, and zero cost to enter. UPS believes this approach will help rural poets, youth, and writers from low-income communities gain exposure and recognition.
Uganda is experiencing a growing creative movement, with more young people writing and sharing their work. By keeping the award free, UPS aims to ensure that the nation’s literary talent is not limited by financial barriers.
For more information, interested poets can visit the Uganda Poetry Society website: https://ugandapoetrysociety.org/
