books 16 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Patrick Kalenzi's Award-Winning Memoir Sparks Debate on Tribalism and Uganda's Image
Patrick Kalenzi's memoir 'Tears Run Dry' won the Best Inspirational Book award in 2025 but draws criticism from Ugandan readers for its distorted portrayal of tribal hostility and victimhood in Uganda. The narrative frames personal hardships as ethnic persecution, overlooking positive experiences and projecting a negative image abroad. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/patrick-kalenzi-s-resilience-memoir-raises-troubling-questions-about-tribalism-and-narrative-5392264
Patrick Kalenzi’s 488-page memoir, Tears Run Dry: A Story of Courage in the Face of Poverty, Tribalism and Racism, published in 2015, has gained international acclaim. It recently clinched the ‘Best Inspirational Book – 2025’ from the Best of Los Angeles Awards, celebrating his journey from poverty to success as a Ugandan-born veterinarian in the US.
However, Ugandan readers familiar with the communities described find the book troubling. It frames childhood bullying and school punishments as acts of ethnic hatred by the ‘Nyara tribe’ against Tutsis, portraying his family as perpetual victims in a hostile environment. This lens demonizes schoolmates, teachers, and locals while ignoring any positive interactions.
Kalenzi acknowledges opportunities like a government scholarship at Makerere University but offers no gratitude toward Uganda’s systems. Dramatic claims, such as a kidnapping by an NRA soldier, lack credible details and clash with historical realities known to locals.
Critics argue the narrative caters to Western audiences seeking tales of overcoming ‘exotic’ oppression, positioning Kalenzi as a resilient hero against prejudice. Yet, it overlooks Ugandans’ warmth and generosity, fueling divisive ethnic grievances.
While personal experiences vary, the memoir invites scrutiny and risks misrepresenting Uganda globally through selective storytelling.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)