Lira, Uganda – Lira City has become a hub for young creative minds, thanks to the emergence of Lira Kreative Kave – an initiative dedicated to promoting talent in poetry, music, and public speaking. Founded by Norman Destiny Ajwer Ocen and Elly Debuni, the platform has quickly grown into a safe space for artists to express themselves and connect with like-minded individuals.
Lira Kreative Kave hosts monthly poetry and creative events known as KK Nights, which take place on the last Friday of every month.
These gatherings bring together poets, artists, and speakers to showcase their talents and engage with the community.
Since its inception, the initiative has provided a platform for young creatives to share their voices beyond school settings and reach a broader audience.
According to Norman Destiny Ajwer Ocen, the idea was born out of a desire to fill a gap in the local creative scene.
“Lira lacked a consistent platform where young people could express themselves through poetry and music. Our goal is to nurture and amplify these voices,” he explained.
Despite facing challenges, including the absence of a permanent venue, Ocen remains optimistic that discussions to secure a permanent home for their events, and welcome sponsors who can support their vision.
The initiative is supported by several partners, including Brashan Media, Intricate Media, Unity FM, QFM, Kakebe Technologies, Dokolo Post, among others, which hosted the third edition of KK Night.
For participants like Atim Patricia Prosper, Lira Kreative Kave offers more than just a stage.
“It has allowed me to express myself freely and meet new people who share my passions,” she shared.
Prosper described the community as a “happy family” that welcomes and encourages new members. Through her involvement, she has gained confidence, expanded her creative network, and developed meaningful friendships.
Apio Sarah, one of the participants in the poetry sessions, highlighted the consistency of the events.
“The next KK Night will be on the 28th of March, which also falls on the last Friday of the month. Because of the beauty of art, we call it Kreative Kave,” she explained, emphasizing the unique branding and vision of the platform.
Elly Debuni, the platform’s co-founder, reflected on the journey that began in June 2024 with a small audience at Lira City Gardens.
“We started with a simple idea and a few supporters. Today, we are building a movement that empowers young people and promotes local creativity,” he said.
Debuni emphasized that their vision extends beyond monthly shows, as they aim to establish a permanent venue and set a precedent for similar initiatives in other regions.
The events feature a mix of poetry performances, live music, and interactive activities. Each edition attracts a growing audience eager to witness and participate in the creative process.
Media and community partners such as Life Spring Medical Centre continue to support the initiative, reinforcing its mission to elevate young voices.
Looking ahead, Lira Kreative Kave plans to expand its activities and strengthen partnerships to sustain and grow the platform.
Ajwer Ocen and Debuni remain committed to fostering a community where creativity thrives.
“Our dream is to see Lira become a cultural beacon where young talents are celebrated and empowered,” Debuni affirmed.
As the platform gains momentum, its founders encourage more sponsors and partners to come on board and help shape the future of creative expression in Lira. With its monthly Cake Nights becoming a staple in the city’s cultural calendar, Lira Kreative Kave is poised to leave a lasting impact on the region’s artistic landscape.
