Birungi Verse

Fresh Voices

Young Ugandan stories told with heartfelt words.

Deep Roots

These poems grow from the rich soil of tradition, weaving ancestral wisdom with modern dreams.

I am the man

Nothing is as tempting as something forbidden
Something that is already taken
But that's the point of war
We fight, to get what isn't ours
We do everything just to get what we want

And who gets hurt along the process?
That's none of our business.
Why would an eagle take a young chick?
As young as four days or even a week
Still that's none of our business

Because when that urge comes, few control it
Otherwise, it takes over and we become selfish
Likewise to the eagle, when the urge takes over,

All it thinks of is the food, not in the little bit concerned
Of the aftermath
Whether it's anger or sexual desire
The only thought running in his head
Is to get it out regardless of the consequences
After all, who will blame him

He's the man, the figurehead
And all power lies in his hands

You tattle, then say goodbye to that good life of yours
After all, whose words can be heard if it's not the men's
An act so wrong, defying the laws
But money has corrupted everything

And with it present, the line between good and evil is thin
Whether in need or notupporting a sin, is committing it, in a way
Superiority doesn't mean you have to violate anyone

But then, no one is brave enough to call it out
And profess it's wrongs or even sue the violators
Victims are out there
Suffering from mental health and depression
But no one hears it all,

Because it's the man, he's always right.

Persistent struggle

He doesn't expect their kindness
Or their love for that matter
So he sucks up every insult from his bosses
Because everyone thinks he is strong
But just like every human,

He breaks but stands up again
For without challenges, there's no success
And despite what his bosses say
Discouraging him or expressing discontent

He struggles harder, so that he can make someone happy
Be it his child, the mother or even the family
And even when he tries hard to achieve his goal,
And his mind and body can't cooperate anymore
He persists because he cannot let down all the people
Who encourage him and even look up to him

So even when he reaches his breaking point,
He strives harder and harder
Because the body cannot control him
And when he achieves his goals,
He smiles because it wasn't easy

But he also doesn't slack, because he has to maintain his success
And as long as he can give bread to his family,
Then all hope is not lost.

My Journey

Precious Birungi's poetry has blossomed through heartfelt stories and vivid reflections rooted in Uganda's vibrant culture.

Crafting verses that echo personal and collective dreams.

Developed powerful spoken word pieces highlighting East African stories.