Mugabi Byenkya on Living With Chronic Illness Vivify Conversations

In this episode I am joined by Mugabi Byenkya, we discuss the psychological impact of ⁣living with chronic illness, adapting to an ableist society, attitudes towards disability in African communities, his book writing process and leaving a legacy before you die. 
 Mugabi  is an award-winning writer, poet and occasional rapper. He was born in Nigeria, to Ugandan parents and is currently based between Kampala and Toronto. He was longlisted for the Babishai Niwe Poetry Award in 2015. His essays and poetry have been published in The Good Men Project, The Mighty, and Arts and Africa, along over 20 other publications. He has been interviewed on Voice of America, NTV Uganda, and Brittle Paper, along over 20 other media outlets. His debut experimental epistolary speculative novel, ‘Dear Philomena,’ was published in 2017 and he recently concluded a 43 city, 5 country North America/East Africa tour in support of this. In 2018, Mugabi was named one of 56 writers who has contributed to his native Uganda’s literary heritage in the 56 years since independence by Writivism. Dear Philomena, was named a Ugandan bestseller in the same year. Mugabi wants to be Jaden Smith when he grows up! Contact Mugabi via email at: mugabibyenkya@gmail.com
Let's continue the conversation online, follow @VivifyConversations on Instagram. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Follow Mugabi on Instagram @Mugabs