Kibirige Desire Edward

Kibirige Desire Edward is a Ugandan author, poet, essayist, and founder of Desha Publishing House. Born in the Busia district, he is known for his evocative, confessional poetry and engaging narrative work. As the CEO of his own publishing company, he has established himself as an advocate for emerging African literary voices. 

Early life and education

• Early inspirations: Kibirige began writing poetry in high school at Lubiri High School in Buloba. He received a scholarship for his writing in senior two, and his talent was nurtured by his teacher, Mr. Bruno.
• Literary development: During his time in secondary school, Kibirige wrote hundreds of poems, many in a confessional style that drew on his personal experiences to explore universal human emotions like love, loss, and mental health. He also experimented with various poetic forms, including free verse, spoken word, and rhyming verse.
• Leadership and activism: While a student at St. Peter's College Tororo, Kibirige was elected as the Right Honourable Speaker and as Secretary for the Uganda National Students Association in 2020. However, his role in a peaceful student protest led to his suspension. He later completed his secondary education at Busia Secondary School, where he was elected president of the Writers' Club and continued his advocacy for young writers.

Career as an author and publisher

• Poetry: Poetry collections, such as Bard Diaries (2024), showcase his confessional style and willingness to tackle deep, often challenging, emotional topics. His work has been recognized for its relatable and rhapsodic qualities.
• Novels: Kibirige has published novels such as Love's Destination (2021) and is slated to release the novelette The Space Between Us in 2025.
• Desha Publishing House: Through his publishing house, he has created opportunities for other African writers, fostering a collaborative literary community. His anthology, The Pearl (2023), was a collaborative effort to showcase diverse voices in Ugandan poetry.
• Themes and style: Kibirige's writing is heavily influenced by his Ugandan background and explores themes of love, death, fate, and politics. His work has received critical attention for its raw emotional honesty.

Professional recognition

• Entrepreneurial efforts: Kibirige was nominated for the Edupreneur Of The Year (Under 30) award in Uganda, a testament to his success in creating a publishing platform for young authors.
• Critical reception: His writing, particularly his poetry, has been featured in the Ugandan newspaper Daily Monitor, signaling his growing recognition within Uganda's literary scene.

Public engagements

• Kibirige engages with his audience through various platforms, including YouTube interviews and social media. He has notably chosen to focus on his writing rather than stage performances. Updates on his upcoming work and career developments are often shared with his followers.