arts 26 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Opolot's 'In This City' Critiques Urban Failures
Playwright Henry Opolot Opio's new one-man play, 'In This City,' uses the story of a struggling trader to highlight infrastructural decay and societal neglect in urban environments. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/opolot-s-in-this-city-highlights-infrastructure-failures-5473562
Henry Opolot Opio’s debut play, ‘In This City,’ presents a stark look at the challenges faced by urban dwellers, particularly focusing on the disintegration of infrastructure and the resulting personal crises.
The narrative centers on Owino, a successful trader whose livelihood is devastated by a sudden urban disaster, depicted as a severe flood. The play, critically acclaimed for its reflection of societal issues, follows Owino’s journey as he navigates the destruction of his business and contemplates his path forward. His struggles bring to the forefront themes of tradition, governance, environmental concerns, and personal values.
Through Owino’s experiences, the play critiques the lack of basic amenities and preparedness in the city. His shop, located in a multi-story arcade, lacks essential facilities like functioning toilets, forcing traders to pay daily for restroom access. This points to a broader neglect of civic responsibilities by authorities.
The disaster itself, a dramatic flood, catches Owino and his fellow traders off guard. The play underscores the inadequate disaster management, questioning the role of authorities like the police and army, who are perceived as doing little to mitigate the crisis. The overwhelming chaos and destruction are vividly portrayed as Owino rushes to save what remains of his merchandise, only to find his efforts futile.
A symbolic broom, reminiscent of one discussed in a dream sequence about traditional versus modern living, becomes a tool for the tenants to clear the debris. Owino’s frustration mounts as he questions the protection and support he receives despite diligently running his business and paying taxes.
Samuel Ibanda, who portrays Owino and several other characters, took on the role to “trigger and provoke conversation, awareness, and conscious thought.” The playwright himself, Opolot, stated that the play serves as a “mirror and reflect[ion] on us as a people, as a society, and what we have become.” The one-man format, with a disembodied voice representing society, emphasizes the isolation and the collective responsibility for the urban decay depicted.