Ugandan Artist Odur Ronald Transforms Scrap Metal into Political Commentary Amid State Neglect

Odur Ronald, a visual artist from Uganda, constructs sculptural installations using embossed aluminum and copper wire to explore themes of politics and global inequality. His work, Waagawulidde? (Have You Heard It?, 2024), showcased at Afriart Gallery, critiques the violence witnessed during Uganda's 2020 elections, incorporating hammered aluminum screens, embossed bullets, and performances by poet Ssebo Lule. At the Liverpool Biennial, his installation Muly' Ato Limu (All in One Boat, 2025) addresses migration through suspended passport booklets and sounds from visa interviews. Although he has gained recognition, including at the Venice Biennale, his visa application for Italy was denied. Odur, who studied Interior Design, has honed his skills through workshops at 32 Degrees East and anticipates potential arrest in the next decade due to Uganda's political situation.