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Plot 4 Colville Street, KampalaMon-Fri 8am-6pm · Sat 9am-5pm EAT0779 550 877Visit the bookshop

Your first chapter

A book. A conversation.
A place for you.

You do not need to be an expert reader. Start with curiosity, and take it one chapter at a time.

Find your book club
Illustration of books, a reading journal and a cup of tea beside a window.

Simple beginnings

Four steps to reading together

  1. Illustration of readers sharing books around a table in a warm bookshop.
    01

    Find your book club

    Explore the themes and choose a club that fits your interests. Each club can have several smaller reading groups.

    Explore book clubs
  2. Illustration of books, a reading journal and a cup of tea beside a window.
    02

    Make yourself at home

    Create an account and share your reading interests. Your dashboard keeps your application and group requests together.

    Start your application
  3. Illustration of readers sharing books around a table in a warm bookshop.
    03

    Request a reading group

    Check a group’s published schedule and request a place. A request is not confirmed until the team approves it.

    Manage your groups
  4. Illustration of books, a reading journal and a cup of tea beside a window.
    04

    Read, reflect, connect

    Use the reading guide, bring a question to your discussion and share a reflection when you are ready.

    Open the reading guide

Choose your starting point

There is more than one way to belong.

Curious about everything?

Begin with Vitabu Vyote, the Open Shelf for every kind of reader. Discover books across genres and meet people with different interests.

Explore Vitabu Vyote and the circles →

Ready to join a circle?

Apply for membership, then explore the smaller groups within your favourite circle. Check the available places, meeting format and schedule before requesting to join.

Apply for membership →

Would you like to host?

Tell us which circle you would like to support and why. Hosts welcome readers, encourage thoughtful discussion and make room for different voices. Applications are reviewed by the team.

Apply to host →

Membership, clearly explained

UGX 30,000 initially, then UGX 5,000 monthly

Your first payment includes the UGX 25,000 one-time joining fee and UGX 5,000 for the first month. The team arranges payment after reviewing your application.

Start your application

What comes with membership?

  • Member discounts on all books.
  • Reading circles, tea gatherings and meetups.
  • A member tag and bookmark to get you started.

T-shirts, hoodies and tote bags are optional paid extras. Ask the team about prices and availability. Event arrangements and schedules are confirmed separately.

From application to your first gathering

Know what happens next.

  1. 01

    Tell us a little about you

    Use an email you can access. Choose your interests and preferred meeting format. You can select “not sure” if you have not found your circle yet.

  2. 02

    The team reviews your application

    Submitting the form starts your application. It does not confirm a group place or take a payment. Check your account for the application status and contact the team if you need help.

  3. 03

    Request a place in a group

    Open My book clubs to see the groups available to you. Requested means you are waiting for a decision; active means your place is confirmed. You can cancel a pending request.

  4. 04

    Choose a gathering

    Use the events calendar to check the day, Kampala time and venue. Submit an RSVP for a published upcoming event. Contact the team if bookings are not open.

    See events and calendar →

Before you arrive

Read as much as you can and bring a passage, a question or a thought. Check the event details for the venue and time. You do not need a polished opinion to take part.

During the conversation

Listen with curiosity, leave space for others and disagree kindly. Ask before sharing spoilers. Follow the host’s guidance and respect what others choose to share.

Between gatherings

Explore the current-read guide, leave a reflection and use “I read today” in your profile to record a reading day. Your reading history is private. Each reading day runs from midnight to midnight in Kampala, with one check-in per day.

Open your reading profile →

A few useful answers

First-time questions, answered.

Do I have to finish the book?

You can join the conversation with what you have read. Tell the host where you are in the book and check whether a particular event is discussing the ending.

Can I receive updates without becoming a paid member?

Yes. Use the newsletter form below for free email updates. This does not create a paid membership or reserve a group place.

How do I join the WhatsApp group?

Choose the optional WhatsApp consent on your application. After submission, you can send the prefilled request yourself. Staff arrange the invitation; you are not added automatically. Other group members can see your phone number if you join.

What if I miss a day of reading?

Begin again whenever you are ready. Your current streak restarts after a missed day, while your personal best and total reading days stay with you.

Still finding your feet?

Read the FAQs or contact the team before choosing your group.

Read the FAQs
Join Marafiki