Standing proudly on Nakawa Hill, the MUBS Library is one of the true marvels at Makerere University Business School. Its stunning architecture is an inviting sight, promising a wealth of knowledge waiting inside this home of books. With a vision to build a world-class library equipped with ICT infrastructure that offers users flexibility in accessing information, it is clear that the MUBS Library has made that much-needed leap into the digital world.

However, for some, this transition into the digital space has quietly eroded the cherished art of reading.

Today, with the rise of AI, you can summarize a long article in mere seconds or have an essay question answered instantly. While these advancements are remarkable, they have led some to completely bypass the discipline of reading. And yet, the true foundation of knowledge is built only by training your mind to read, absorb, and think for itself.

This exact challenge is what inspired the birth of the MUBS Library Week—an annual event dedicated to reawakening a passion for books and lifelong learning. Three years ago, David Ochari, the Acting Librarian for MUBS and the vision bearer behind the initiative, set out to reawaken a passion for reading.

He understood that in an era where technology has enabled all these seeming shortcuts, students are losing touch with the habit of deep reading. Pointing to this digital distraction, he noted: “It is possible today for students not to know who their Vice Chancellor is, yet know who the most trending TikToker is.”

The theme for the 2026 MUBS Library Week is “Inspiring the Culture of Reading and Lifelong Learning.” As Lapatutu, we believe that reading and learning are deeply connected. It is only through reading that the mind begins to explore new possibilities that may not even exist yet.

Unlike watching a video, reading actively engages the brain, offering proven cognitive benefits that sharpen critical thinking and deep comprehension. This is why the campaign to reclaim our reading culture is more vital than ever.

Without a doubt, we are now in a digital era, as we have seen. But it is critical that we do not lose the art of reading. Sweden, for example, long known for digital-first classrooms, has begun pivoting back to physical books and paper textbooks, realizing that heavy screen reliance can weaken concentration and reading comprehension.

Also, a 2019 study led by Ágústa Pálsdóttir of the University of Iceland, exploring university students’ perspectives on printed versus electronic learning materials, found that most students believed they concentrated better, retained information more effectively and engaged more thoroughly with printed texts. 

It was precisely this mission that drew us to be a part of the 2026 MUBS Library Week, taking place from September 28th to October 2nd at the ADB Parking within Makerere University Business School. We shall be sharing our passion for reading and writing, adding a brick to the larger goal of inspiring a lifelong culture of reading.

Together, let us cultivate a lasting culture of reading. Let us reclaim our intellectual depth as a generation: let us read more!