Authors have been reminded of their social responsibility, and the need to stick to ethics and integrity if they are to advance their work as a professional occupation.
Regardless of the changing nature of authorship in the present knowledge society, authors must consider their work as a serious occupation, be recognized by society and be accorded policy and institutional support.
The above ideas were part of a paper presented by Dr Sarah Kaddu, dean of the school of East African School Library and Information Sciences (EASLIS), Makerere University. She was one of the key speakers at a hybrid symposium on ‘Exploring and Defining Authorship as a Professional Occupation in Today’s Knowledge-Driven Society’ held at Silver Springs hotel, Bugolobi, Kampala on November 21, 2025.
The symposium was organized by Uganda Textbook Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association (UTANA) in collaboration with the ministry of Education and Sports, International Authors Forum (IAF), Norwegian Nonfiction Writers and Translators Association (NFFO) and the Network of African Academic and Nonfiction Authors (NAANA).
The participants delved into recognition and valuation of the role of authors in education, knowledge creation and social development; definition of responsibilities and ethics that should guide professional authorship; and strategies for strengthening authorship as a lovable and profitable occupation.
Martin Okia, chairman of Uganda Publishers Association, outlined supportive amenities for authors such as a conducive environment, availability of necessary tools of the trade, skills and competences to put information in comprehensible packages, existence and awareness of the copyright law and avoidance of plagiarism, and respect for constructive criticism by editors and reviewers. Okia advised authors to not prioritise money making, but resilience and purpose.
“Don’t think about money alone, especially in your first years of authorship. If one book doesn’t sell, don’t be discouraged; do write a new one. A new book can be successful and cover costs of all your earlier books and revive interest in your earlier works. What is important is to keep marketing your works,” he counseled.
The workshop also included a book exposition, whereby retired civil servant Magemeso Namungalu showcased and summarized 19 of his publications. Namungalu, who has published poetry, short stories, novels, literary criticism, social books and journalistic articles, stressed that all products of authorship, even creative stories, belong to society because they are outbursts from events and experiences in society.
Afterwards, UTANA held its annual general meeting for 2025 which resolved, among others, to organize a training workshop soon on protection of authors’ works from piracy and copyright infringement.