PhD Candidate
An Award Winning
A Distinguished Fellow
Award Winner
Voice of a Dream
Winner of the prestigious Macmillan Writers Prize for Africa
"Voice of a Dream is a powerful testament to the resilience of youth and the importance of pursuing one's dreams. Namukasa's storytelling captures the essence of contemporary Uganda with authenticity and hope."
Macmillan Writers Prize for Africa Committee
Available Now
Academic Excellence & Research
A distinguished academic journey spanning multiple institutions and disciplines, from MFA in Creative Writing to doctoral studies in Comparative Literature.
MFA in Creative Writing
University of California, Riverside
Master of Fine Arts degree with focus on fiction writing, exploring themes of identity, displacement, and cultural preservation through narrative craft.
2021
BS in Community Psychology
Makerere University, Uganda
Bachelor of Science degree with First Class Honours, focusing on psychological concepts and their application in community settings, mental health, and social services.
2017
New York Reading
Ledig House Residence
Wellstone Center Residence
Schomburg Festival, NY
Words Without Borders
The First Rule
Recent Academic Achievements
Celebrating milestone achievements in advanced academic study and recognition for outstanding contributions to university communities.
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
University of California, Riverside • Graduated 2021
Program Excellence
- Dean's Distinguished Fellowship Award recipient
- Outstanding Creative Writer recognition by department
- Teaching Assistant for Creative Writing and Composition
- Specialized focus on fiction writing and narrative craft
Recognition & Awards
- Dean's Distinguished Award (September 2019)
- International Students and Scholars Outstanding Contribution Award (2020)
- Recognized as "serious, diligent, thoughtful, and very talented"
- Featured in UCR Black Grad 2021 celebration
Academic Philosophy
"As a writer, you are in constant competition with yourself — the writer in you who keeps writing, and the one who doesn't write." - Glaydah's reflection on the creative process and academic journey.
MFA GraduateDean's FellowTeaching Assistant
Master of Arts in Comparative Literature
University of California, Irvine • Completed 2024
Program Focus
- Transnational comparatism with focus on African literatures
- Critical theory and postcolonial discourse analysis
- Cross-cultural literary studies and narrative analysis
- Preparation for doctoral research in comparative literature
Academic Achievement
- Successfully completed comprehensive examination
- Advanced to PhD candidacy in Comparative Literature
- Conference presentation at UCSB "Cameroon Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow" (2023)
- Research focus on African women's narratives and global literary contexts
Research Philosophy
The MA program at UCI emphasizes transnational comparatism where "literatures and cultures of the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Latin America - the literatures of the colonized more generally - are accorded their rightful place" in global literary scholarship.
MA GraduatePhD CandidateConference Presenter
PhD Candidate, Comparative Literature
University of California, Irvine - Advanced research in comparative literary studies with focus on African literature, postcolonial studies, and cross-cultural narrative analysis.
Conference presentations and academic readings
Research on African literary traditions
Cross-cultural narrative studies
Recent Academic Presentations
Active participation in academic conferences and scholarly presentations, including work presented at UCSB's "Cameroon Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow" conference in April 2023.
Conference presentations on African literature
Public readings of creative work
Scholarly research dissemination
Academic Impact & Contributions
Mentorship & Teaching
Serving as Teaching Assistant for Creative Writing and Composition courses, mentoring undergraduate students in writing and literary analysis.
Academic MentorshipInternational Scholarship
Contributing to global academic discourse through research that bridges African and Western literary traditions and scholarly methodologies.
Global ResearchScholarly Recognition
Consistent recognition for academic excellence, including multiple awards and fellowships throughout graduate studies.
Academic ExcellenceInternational Residencies & Workshops
A distinguished record of international literary residencies, workshops, and fellowships spanning multiple continents and prestigious institutions.
Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center
Milan, Italy • March 2013
Writer-in-residence at one of the world's most prestigious literary residencies, providing time and space for creative work in the inspiring setting of Lake Como.
International Residency
International Writing Program
University of Iowa, USA • Fall 2008
Awarded the title of Honorary Fellow by the prestigious International Writing Program, participating in cross-cultural literary exchange and dialogue.
Honorary FellowView Profile
Bread Loaf Writers' Conference
Ripton, Vermont, USA • 2006
Attended on the Michael and Marilee Fairbanks International Fellowship, one of America's most prestigious writing conferences.
Fellowship Recipient
Art Omi International Residency
New York, USA • 2009
International writers' residency providing time and space for creative work in a supportive artistic community environment.
Writers' Residency
City of Asylum Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, USA
Visiting writer in residence at this organization dedicated to supporting writers in exile and promoting freedom of expression.
Visiting Writer
Ledig House International
Hudson, New York, USA
Writers' residence in the Hudson River Valley where she began drafting her second novel, providing inspiration in a scenic setting.
International Residence
Workshops & Professional Development
Caine Prize Workshop
Kenya • Participated in the prestigious Caine Prize Workshop for African Writing
African WritingBritish Council Crossing Borders
Creative writing scheme fostering international literary connections
Creative WritingFEMRITE/Baltic Center Residency
Gotland Island, Sweden • African writers residency program
International ResidencyRecent Achievements & Children's Literature
Continuing to make significant contributions to African literature through children's books, international recognition, and academic research.
Africa39 Selection
Hay Festival Recognition (2014)
Selected as one of 39 most promising African writers under 40 by the prestigious Hay Festival, celebrating the future of African literature.
International RecognitionLearn more
Women in Literary Creativity Award
Women Powering Change in Uganda (2018)
Recognized for outstanding contributions to women's voices in literature and her role in empowering female writers across Uganda.
2018 Award
Children's Literature
Pan African Macmillan Imprint
Author of three children's books published under the Pan African Macmillan imprint, extending her literary reach to young readers.
Published Works
New Daughters of Africa (2019)
Featured as a contributor to this major international anthology edited by Margaret Busby, showcasing contemporary African and diaspora women's writing alongside established and emerging voices from around the world.
International AnthologyGet the Book
Literary Leadership & Mentoring
Championing African women's voices and nurturing the next generation of writers through leadership, mentorship, and community building.
FEMRITE Uganda Women Writers' Association
Chairperson of the Board (2014-2018)
Board LeadershipCommunity Building
Visit FEMRITE Youth Development & Education
School Outreach Programs
Leading FEMRITE's initiative to create Readers/Writers clubs in secondary schools across northern and western Uganda, focusing on underserved communities.
Creative writing workshops for students
Public reading opportunities for young writers
Awards and recognition programs
Reading tents for children
Individual Mentoring
Direct mentorship of emerging writers through FEMRITE's Novel Mentoring Project and other professional development initiatives.
Featured Success Story
Mentored Prossy Bibangamba, a medical professional, in developing a 300,000-word fantasy novel, demonstrating exceptional dedication to craft development and professional growth.
One-on-one manuscript development
Professional writing skills training
Literary community integration
International Literary Programs
Cross-Cultural Literary Exchange
Facilitating connections between African and international writers through conferences, workshops, and collaborative projects.
Cultural ExchangeCapacity Building Workshops
Leading editorial skills development and creative writing workshops in partnership with organizations like African Writers Trust.
Professional DevelopmentHealthcare & Community Psychology
Bridging literature and healthcare through professional practice, academic study, and community engagement in mental health and midwifery.
Professional Midwifery Practice
Rubaga Hospital Nursing Training School Graduate - Distinction (2009) • Kampala, Uganda
Clinical Experience
- Over two decades of midwifery practice in Uganda's healthcare system
- Specialized in maternal and child health services
- Community health education and outreach programs
- Healthcare storytelling and narrative medicine advocacy
Literature-Healthcare Integration
- Drawing literary inspiration from healthcare experiences
- Advocating for women's health through storytelling
- Bridging cultural gaps in healthcare communication
- Promoting mental health awareness through literature
Professional Philosophy
"From my midwifery job, I had a number of tales to tell. The intersection of healthcare and storytelling has shaped my understanding of human resilience, community healing, and the power of narrative in addressing both physical and emotional well-being."
Healthcare ProfessionalNarrative Medicine
Academic Pursuits in Community Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Community Psychology
Makerere University, Uganda - Graduated with 1st Class Honours. Specialized study in community-based mental health approaches, cultural psychology, and community intervention strategies.
Community mental health assessment and intervention
Cultural competency in psychological practice
Research methods in community psychology
Social justice and advocacy in mental health
Community Psychology Practice
Integrating psychological principles with literary practice to address community mental health challenges and promote healing through storytelling.
Therapeutic storytelling and narrative therapy
Community-based mental health education
Cultural approaches to psychological well-being
Advocacy for mental health awareness in Uganda
Interdisciplinary Impact
Healthcare Narratives
Using literary skills to document and share healthcare experiences, particularly focusing on women's health and maternal care stories.
Narrative MedicineCommunity Healing
Applying community psychology principles to promote collective healing and resilience through storytelling and literary engagement.
Community PsychologyCultural Bridge-Building
Facilitating cross-cultural understanding of health, healing, and human experience through literature and professional practice.
Cultural CompetencyMedia Appearances & Interviews
Sharing insights on literature, healthcare, and African women's voices through various media platforms and public speaking engagements.
Women and Power: Glaydah Namukasa
Mid-wife turned writer
Women and Power Interview
An in-depth conversation about her journey from midwifery to literature, discussing the intersection of healthcare and storytelling in her work.
Video InterviewWatch on YouTube
Hay Festival Artist Profile
Featured as an artist in the prestigious Hay Festival, one of the world's leading literature festivals, highlighting her contribution to contemporary African literature.
International literary festival recognition
Global platform for African literature
Connection to international literary community
Literary FestivalView Profile
Speaking Engagements & Public Appearances
Academic Conferences
Regular presenter at academic conferences, including recent participation in "Cameroon Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow" at UCSB (April 2023).
Academic SpeakingLiterary Readings
Public readings of her work at various venues, including university campuses, literary festivals, and community events across multiple countries.
Public ReadingsCommunity Outreach
Engaging with communities through FEMRITE programs, school visits, and healthcare storytelling initiatives to promote literacy and well-being.
Community EngagementConnect with Glaydah
For literary collaborations, speaking engagements, or media requests, please get in touch. As a member of FEMRITE and an advocate for women's voices in literature.