Evangeline Barongo


Evangeline Barongo is a Ugandan author of children's literature. Barongo is a founding member of the Uganda Children’s Writers and Illustrators Association, a platform that brings together writers and illustrators of children’s books, librarians, teachers, publishers, and booksellers. She is also a member of the Reading Association of Uganda, Uganda Library and Information Association and the International Board on Books for Young People Uganda chapter established in 2004. She has served on the board of the National Book Trust of Uganda since its inception in 1997.

Early life and education

She trained as a nursery nurse and worked for a year in England after studying a course in children's psychology. She later earned a diploma in Library Science from Bayero University Kano in Nigeria before working as a librarian at the university. She returned to Uganda in 1986 to work with the Uganda Public Libraries Board while running a children's library service in Kampala. In 1991, Barongo won a two-month scholarship at the International Youth Library in Munich.

Writing

Barongo has undertaken children’s projects in Sweden, South Africa, and the United States. She writes in both English and Runyoro, her mother tongue. Her books are marketed in Europe and have won her several awards, among which is the NABOTU author of the year in 2008. Barongo is now retired from active civil service but owns a bookshop in Hoima and continues to write for children and stay involved in children’s reading promotion activities.

Published works

Books