Passion or Profession: Writer

Period: 1931–1982

Okot p’Bitek, usually called Okot, was a champion for Ugandan culture, but he spent much of his life outside his native country. Upon visiting England as a member of Uganda’s national soccer team, Okot decided to pursue his education there. After receiving three degrees, he returned to teach in Uganda. He spent only a few years there before leaving again because of political turmoil. Okot’s works—including his most famous Song of Lawino—deal with the strain placed on African traditions by Western society.