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.
