The Treasure by Peter Katuliiba

The story follows Kiwewa, a young Ugandan man who narrates his story from Luzira Prison, where he serves time for robbery. Born into poverty in a village near Kampala, Kiwewa grows up ambitious and determined to escape his circumstances, eventually studying Fine Art at Makerere University. After a series of personal and professional setbacks, including failed romances, unemployment, and economic hardship following Uganda’s military regime, Kiwewa becomes obsessed with acquiring a legendary “treasure” kept at Namirembe Church. He befriends Vivian, the Archbishop’s kind and religious daughter, partly as a means to access the treasure, though he genuinely falls in love with her. Driven by desperation, Kiwewa steals what he believes is a box of great wealth, only to discover it contains a small wooden cross from the Crucifixion. He is caught, imprisoned, and must confront his own greed, pride, and the love he betrayed but ultimately finds redemption when Vivian forgives him and remains faithful.