Name: NAKITTO IRENE.
INSTITUTION: MAKERERE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI.
EMAIL: inakitto71@gmail.com.
PAPER TITLE: Whispers of the wetland - Environmental Precarity and Resilience in Ugandan Oral Literature.
My paper explores the intricate relationship between environmental precarity and resilience as depicted in Ugandan oral
literature, focusing specifically on narratives related to wetlands. Uganda's diverse ecosystems, particularly its wetlands,
are facing increasing pressure from climate change, agricultural expansion, population growth pressure and expansion of
urban areas. This paper argues that traditional Ugandan oral narratives, specifically folktales, myths, proverbs, sayings
and songs, offer valuable insights into indigenous understandings of environmental ecosystems, their vulnerability, and the
strategies for their preservation. The paper examines how these narratives encode ecological knowledge, environmental
preservations, spiritual connections to the natural world, ethical principles for sustainable living as well as value to human
life. It analyzes specific examples of Ugandan oral literature that depict the interconnectedness of humans and wetlands,
the consequences of environmental degradation, and the importance of respecting the delicate balance of nature.
Furthermore, the paper explores how these oral narratives express resilience, sustainability and community-based
conservation practices in the face of environmental challenges. By examining these "whispers of the wetland," this paper
seeks to illuminate the rich ecological wisdom embedded in Ugandan oral traditions and its relevance for contemporary
environmental challenges and to environmental stewardship. It argues that these narratives offer valuable lessons for
promoting ecological resilience and sustainable development in the face of ongoing polycrises. The paper concludes by
reflecting on the role of literary and cultural studies in amplifying these voices and promoting a deeper understanding of the
complex relationship between humans and the environment in Uganda.
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