On the 14th of October 2024, I embarked on a memorable bus journey from Juba to Kampala. The purpose of my travel was to attend the prestigious African Writers Trust training program scheduled from the 15th to the 20th of October. Despite arriving close to midnight, I was filled with excitement and anticipation. My accommodation was arranged at a hotel in Kasanga, where I quickly retired to my room and fell into a deep, restful slumber.
The next day, at 3:00 pm, I departed from the hotel and made my way to Ndejje, where I was warmly welcomed at the exquisite Hotel 360 by the gracious receptionist. Madam Goretti and Christine were sitting in reception. To my surprise, Goretti seemed to have guessed that I hailed from Juba, perhaps due to my towering height.
“Are you from Juba?” she asked.
It soon became apparent that I was indeed the tallest among the participants, much to everyone’s amusement. Shortly after my arrival, a kind lady appeared with a refreshing cup of juice, the taste of which seemed to tease my senses, tasting like mango but with a hint of lemon.
After freshening up, we reconvened for a delightful dinner, followed by a gathering at a picturesque spot where we shared our literary accomplishments. Hotel 360 truly lived up to its name, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its hilltop location overlooking Lake Victoria.
We learned the art of crafting compelling stories, mastering the editing process, and navigating the world of business publication. A heartfelt thank you to Goretti and Otieno Owino for their unwavering dedication throughout the training. We were later joined by Crystal and Joel Bill, who guided us through the marketing and printing aspects of book production. I also want to express my deep appreciation to Bieke Van Anggelen for enlightening us on the rights of authors and how to connect with literary agents for international opportunities.
Amidst the various activities during our stay at Hotel 360, one particular day stands out vividly in my memory. On a Friday afternoon, our training concluded early, prompting some of us to venture into Kampala City for exploration. Opting to join the group, I, along with Andanje, Vera, and Bridget, ordered an Uber and headed to Acacia Mall, before enjoying a delightful dinner at CJ’s, creating unforgettable memories.
The diversity of the participants, hailing from countries such as Burundi, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Sudan, enriched our learning experience as we exchanged our unique perspectives. Although it’s impossible to capture the essence of everyone, the serene presence of Bridget and Sarah left a lasting impression, their humility and grace touching everyone’s hearts.
On our final night at Hotel 360, we gathered around a bonfire at the same spot where we had initially introduced ourselves, dancing to an eclectic mix of music. Vera, Sojoud, and Liz showcased their exceptional dancing skills, adding to the joyous atmosphere. The night extended into the early hours, and as the clock struck midnight, we retired. The following morning, we reunited for the last training session before bidding farewell at 2:00 pm, with special thanks to Shevon for graciously providing a ride to me and Sojoud. I eagerly look forward to the possibility of meeting all my fellow participants once again in the future!
Tong Lueth Matiok is a South Sudanese author of the national bestselling book Poverty Robbed Me and a member of Tukul School and Writers Writing Fellowship.
