Uganda showcases some of the finest dance pieces in Africa. Given its 54 different tribes the country has a cultural fusion that you cannot easily find elsewhere in Africa. Here are the five most thrilling Ugandan dances;
Bakisimba Dance
Olunyege
Amagunju
You see, I’ve always loved stories. Stories that have the ability to turn things around. Stories that can put a smile across a face. Those that evoke empathy and sympathy. Heck, stories that are too powerful they can cause a whirlwind and transform society. And, stories that can turn the nation upside down and start a revolution.
As I grew older, I realised that I also enjoyed being a part of discussions. Discussions have the power to alter perspectives, the power to teach and give you a chance to be heard.
So, with that background you see why I leapt for joy when an opportunity arose for me to get in front of the camera back in 2014. Plus, I knew for sure that I loved the camera as much as it loved me. Yet, five years later after working as a news anchor/show host on Record TV, I was up for a new challenge.
In 2019, I returned to my first love-the camera. This time, on YouTube. YouTube grants one freedom of expression without limit. I wanted my channel to serve as a platform for my advocacy campaign for People with Albinism (PWAs). I had a real plan.
Prior to that decision, my YouTube channel had laid dormant since 2012. When I first signed up, it existed as an archive for my news bulletins and presentations. Now, it had an additional newly-minted purpose. Body flex with Blessing (BFwB) was born.
I partnered with a renowned and notable gym (Marco’s Gym & Spa) to encourage people to get onto that fitness journey that they had been reluctant about. Body flex with Blessing is a safe space for people to confront their fitness demons head-on.
We cover a wide range of people from beginners to procrastinators all the way to those that had fully given up. This series has garnered quite a following and it is safe to assume that it is because majority of us have a space in one of those groups.
While BFwB grew steadily, my audience demanded more – they wanted to hear more stories. Cue: Story time with Blessing.
Story Time with Blessing is a series of stories that capture the ebb and flow of life. This segment is dear to my heart because it comprises raw, unscripted and unfiltered stories ranging from human interest stories to lifestyle-related content etcetera. You would have to check my channel out to fully understand.
One of the things I have come to love about YouTube is the sense of community that it affords; you grow attached to your audience and push yourself to keep innovating – stretching your would-be canvas, all the while (journeying, together with your audience) towards self-discovery.
On a parting note, I would like to thank everyone that has taken time to watch my videos and to subscribe especially in Uganda where the cost of internet can be prohibitive. If you have not come across my channel yet but would like to support me, follow this link; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmlXdr5qmCesveZTRr5QJbQ
I would also like to encourage more young people to occupy the digital space and use the platform to give themselves a voice, and to speak change to causes they are passionate about.
YouTube, like any other platform requires time and effort for one to grow. There’s no such thing as overnight success. So, pro tip? Figure out your niche, grab your smart phone, figure out the direction of your natural light and start creating.
As told by Blessing Naturinda (Digital Creator/Story Teller)
Head to the stunning Mount Elgon National Park, the Sipi falls and Mbale and meet the proud Bagisu people! Despite other African regions where circumcision is conducted indoors with the presence of few associates, the Bagisu have made theirs public, allowing tourists to also attend this great event of life time.
The operation takes one hour in which the surgeon makes 3 bold cuts to remove the foreskin prior the whistle is blown to mark the event complete. The initiate raises his hands strongly, dancing, proudly showing his blooded fellow to an ululating crowd. Crying in the course of the event could denote cowardice hence forbidden. He is then directed to the silent area seated and wrapped in a cloth prior bleeding stops.
He is continued to the fathers home and hand fed for 3 consecutive days before he is ritually washed and permitted to eat with his own hand which marks the end of the ritual. This is one of such final and thrilling moments that can still authentically be traced on Africa hence considering it when planning for your cultural safaris and tours to Uganda. Their ancestral origins date back 500 years ago when the Masaba their forefather merged from caves of the Mount Elgon locally called Mount Masaba as a result of this. It is believed that the Masaba dwells in the upper slopes of the mountain where he conducts his assemblies with lower divines, a fearful thing which can be rated to an encounter with Mudange cliff while hiking safaris on the same mountain.
The Bagisu community is one of those communities in Uganda without central authority in form of kingdoms hence leadership is on clan basis with a non hereditary chief elected by a council of elders. Besides, the Bagisu people are famous for their Imbalu circumcision ceremony a tourist product worth encountering while on cultural safari in Uganda. It dates back to the story that a certain Mugisu man was summoned by the council of elders because of stealing other men’s wives and then he was subjected to circumcision as a punishment and preventive action only to yield nothing as he turned stronger and admirable to women than ever before. His colleagues retaliated by circumcising themselves so as to also remain competitive. However, other folks have put it that the practice came into existence via contact with the adjacent Kalenjin of Western Kenya who possessed the same tradition.
Regardless of the origin, the Imbalu circumcision ceremony is conducted in even years as a personal rite of passage to man hood among the Bagisu. The year for initiation is determined by the person himself and not basically a council of elders or convention. The age bracket between 16 and 26 is always acceptable. The people elect those to be circumcised in any given year announce their intention in May or June and spend the next few months preparing for it. The key observable aspect of the arrangements comprise the initiate decorated in plantain fronds or animal skins and ash plastered face and escorted by a crew of inspiring friends marching and dancing via the streets to connect to his nearest relatives and look their approval. The function is carried out in August hence can be combined in your Uganda safaris and normally prior 10:00am.
This circumcision ritual is a very useful cultural practice. It is a sign of unity due to large numbers of Bagisu who are attracted in the event. It also assists with issues of identity and in the long run has been able to protect and conserve their interesting culture which has become a tourist attraction.
In conclusion, if you are planning your cultural safari on Imbalu circumcision, you are encouraged to combine it with Mount Elgon National Park or Sipi Falls safaris since they are closely next to the Bugisu cultural community and note that this exciting cultural practice is conducted during even years.
Uganda Martyrs day celebration is held every third June at Uganda martyrs’ shrine in Namugongo, Kampala-Uganda. It is declared a public day in the country. The shrines are located 15 kilometers East of Kampala City off Jinja, Namugongo. Prior, it was a place of execution of all people who dedicated severe offences within the Kingdom of Buganda. It is at this place where Christians where burnt on 3rd June, 1886 Namugongo and ever since then, it has steadily taken on the image of attraction as a place of pilgrimage, as God simultaneously has honored them before Believers.
It gives chance to millions of people the world over, near and from far, to partake a pilgrimage to this holly land- Namugongo Martyrs Shrine. The shrine is to a greater extent catholic based dedicated to the Martyrs of Uganda who shed their blood because of the Christian faith. The Shrine is well known for its lovely and unique inner and outside. The construction of this shrine began in 1967 though it was completed and officially opened by Papal envoy, His Eminence Sergio Cardinal Pignedoli on 3rd June 1975.
During this time, the Uganda Martyrs’ day celebrations begin with a tour to various parts of the country especially in places where different Martyrs were either born or killed. These celebrations are mostly attended by travelers from adjacent countries including; Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and from some other continents.
Many of these pilgrims, young and old, walk miles and miles from their home areas up to Namugongo as a sign of honor to the Martyrs who shed their blood for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pilgrims also spend weeks on this long journey trying to invoke the Uganda Martyrs to intercede for them in overcoming their problems. These, indeed have often testified Martyrs’ positive reaction to their prayers as they get salvaged from their bonds.
In preparation for Uganda Martyrs Day, do not only pilgrims or faithful flock to the place, business people as well come to Namugongo in big numbers to sell foodstuffs and other merchandise to fellow business people and to pilgrims. This makes the numbers shoot high not only at Namugongo but even in the neighboring trading centres.
The peak is the celebrations of a Pontifical High Mass on 3rd June. The ritual celebrations are organized by various dioceses, year after the other. The celebrations Mass begins at 10 (East African Standard Time) with processions accompanied by liturgical dances organized by the leading diocese. Important persons from Uganda government, embassies and other countries usually attend the celebrations. The security is always beefed up by police and the army. This makes the celebrations very peaceful despite the big numbers (millions) that turn up for the celebrations.
There is an interesting lake at the site. This brings back the memories of the work executed by St. Charles Lwanga when he was still a side. In fact many pilgrimages pilgrims have often drawn water from this lake and later given testimonies about this water healing them of various diseases. There is a nice Pavilion in the lake .This grass thatched pavilion, also in circular form like the Shrine is supported by 4 pillars and can accommodate more than 300 priests and a number of bishops that turn for the High Mass on Martyrs Day.
Uganda Tourism Board exhibited at the Catholic shrine at the delegates. Registration point, exhibiting and distributing the Martyrs Trail brochures, Uganda Tourism Board DVDs and brochures. Over 2500 international delegates from Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, United States of America, United Kingdom, Kenya and Tanzania attended the function.
Trying to find a cheap flight to Uganda? I guess much of this is very much down to how much we can afford to spend. Cheap is relative these days and at every opportunity we get to knock off a few $s or shs, the better.
This page will give you a few tips and ideas but a lot will depend on how flexible you are with your schedule; when you want to travel, how long you plan to stay in Uganda and probably what you will be doing in Uganda.
My assumption is that all is well with your Ugandan visa – I don’t want you to start booking flights that are outside your granted period of stay.
Uganda was chosen as the number one travel destination in 2012 by lonely planet and probably as a result, the increased numbers of visitors have also come along too. Along with the country’s beauty that had been tucked away from the world for so long, it’s no surprise why many are now trying to find a cheap flight to Uganda.
Wherever you come from, your destination will be Entebbe International Airport (Ebb) – Uganda’s gateway to the rest of the world, which is fast becoming a popular destination in Africa.
And when you get yourself on one of the cheap flights you can find, bless yourself because you are one lucky traveller that is in for a wonderful memorable vacation. You will love your stay because this country is full of surprises.
Kampala, the capital is blossoming. Hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2007 meant that the secrets of this beautiful city came out. More and more are visiting the city.
Hundreds of thousands of people arrive on flights to Uganda from all over the world, many interested in; the unrivalled tourist attractions this country has to offer, Ugandan business and just to get away from the cold to the land of sunshine for holiday.
But what this also means is that finding a cheap flight to Uganda is increasingly becoming harder – reason? Simply… the growing numbers. The good news is; it’s still very possible to find one.
I would have loved to get all of you on my chattered flight to Uganda – unfortunately it’s not booked yet but here are a few suggestions and tips to help you in your search for a cheap flight to Uganda;
For starters, conclusively decide and know when you are travelling (dates) – at least have an idea so that you are not on a wild goose chase! Start shopping around early enough to leave room for any adjustments. Avoid last minute run abouts.
Then jump onto the internet, do some surfing on the web – hullo! You will be amazed at how much you can find. Several online websites will give you what the current prices are, which should give you an idea of what could be cheap even before you engage a travel agent.
You will find some online travel/flight centres that run auctions for cheap flights to Uganda – Yes! on the internet. Place your bid and if you win, you just got yourself a bargain. It is absolutely worth the try especially in such times when we are running on tight budgets.
Then, if you find a flight going for what you think is cheap, book in advance. And better still, if you can find one that is an all inclusive package (including hotel and transfers) then you are in business.
You might also want to arrange a car rental in advance – my advise would be, wait until you get to your hotel or at Entebbe Airport. You will very likely get a better deal and with other choices to pick from, you can’t go wrong.
Another interesting tip is; if you can’t seem to find a cheap flight to Uganda on the online sites (all you get is that all is fully booked) and your travel agent appears to have stalled on this as well, try one last thing before you give up – ring the airlines directly or pop into one of their local offices!
I one time had to travel with my daughter and it all seemed to be full every where – even after I made a few phone calls, until I desperately drove down to the offices of the Emirates. They found two seats for us and at decent prices.
And just to emphasize, your flexibility will matter – don’t stick to one date. Go through all the other possible dates – may be you can save a few $s by flying a week later. The one this you must always remember is that there are all sorts of special deals going on every day – take advantage.
Carefully look at the arrival and departure ports. Try out different combinations – sometimes you could get something cheap by flying into a destination that is further than you originally anticipated and yet it doesn’t affect your travel plan at all. It could even take you in the wrong direction initially, making your trip longer by a few hours but as long as you get it a few dollars cheaper – why not!
With out paying someone to do it for you, if you do it early, you will find a reasonably cheap flight to Uganda but only if you are ready to spend some time searching on the net. Those flights are there.
To ease your search, here is where you can quite easily find Hot Travel Deals to Uganda at reasonably cheaper prices compared to the other sites – Remember, do your booking early. The thing about such low prices is that you don’t find them tomorrow.
Hope this helps you.
It was a boom party to remember. Cinderella Sanyu, aka, the King Herself, or Cindy Baby as she would usually belt out in song, didn’t come to play. Not one bit! It had never been done by a female musician, no Sir! Hell, that venue had disappointed even international stars. It is a venue for the acclaimed, those who fear no one; those with the musical muscle. However, the Lugogo Cricket oval was full to bream last Saturday, Cindy did that.
I should have left home early, but I thought it would be an easy entry, no, it wasn’t! By 7 pm, I could barely pay for the ticket. It was quite clear that the people manning the ticket area hadn’t expected to have such large numbers, and neither did the security team who were now accepting bribes from especially Kampala’s elite. But even when inside, after a battle that it, it was next to impossible to grab a seat, let alone a drink. The show was massive, everyone, all sober and drunk could be heard wondering how she pulled it off.
When Cindy got on stage at about 10 pm, she would confirm the general notion. “Level that, a level that!” she commanded the sound crew into silence. “When I first advertised this concert, no promoter or artiste was willing to stand with me, no one!” she said to a cheering crowd.
Besides the fact that a woman had filled up the much-feared Lugogo cricket oval, it was that she managed to pull off a live performance. However, when Cindy decided to take the audience on her 15-year journey, there was no doubting her prowess. Together with the 10 wildly energetic dancers, she had for the night, the King Herself delved into a dancehall frenzy that sent waves of excitement across the oval.
No one that performed outdid Cindy, she owned the night. Well, except the part where singer Bebe Cool was pelted with bottles of course. He refused to leave the stage showing that he had fast become accustomed to the bottles. Artistes upon artistes thronged the stage and the crowd nodded and danced in approval. The question that remains lingering is how she pulled it off; she didn’t do any TV or Radio ads, no media tours, and just the press conference a breath away from the concert. What did she do right?
According to Daily Monitor’s Andrew Kaggwa, a close friend to both the artiste and management told said Cindy’s sister had been instrumental and that apparently, they had a marketing plan that was intended on tackling the real consumer. “The team promoted the shows to the real people they wanted to show up, in markets like Wandegeya and Owino,” he quoted said source.
When it was all said don, the King had words for her ‘subjects’, “Thank you, Lord, thank you Uganda, I am speechless!” she captioned her picture. “This is not even half the audience at my Boom party concert. I am so grateful to God and to y’all.”
Born on February 19, 2018, GLIM has come to be one of the most celebrated websites in regards to empowering women, and giving women a platform to tell their stories, and inspire each other. GLIM is a platform that celebrates women and lets them pride in who they are, as it motivates, inspires and uplifts.
Glim, is meant to collectively build a positive community that celebrates women, their achievements, inspire each other and build confidence in themselves to be the best versions of the people they aspire to be, while enjoying life of course.
Women make up more than half of the world’s population. At Glim, the team believes that it is important to empower the woman, take a front seat in purposefully contributing to the world.
It’s no secret that Africa is still lagging behind in terms of women empowerment, mainly because Culture has stripped women of their inherent power, leaving them feeling unworthy, uninspired and restricting them to mere marital duties.
GLIM is also a media platform that wants to inspire and open women to the realization of their full potential and power, and the great role they can play in the development of the continent.
To this effect, they curate content that celebrates and hypes women’s accomplishments in different fields, and empowers them financially with a goal of making their content informative and fun, as they give value to their readers.
The Mission of GLIM is to empower the African Woman, while their Vision is to be the number one go to digital media platform for purposeful women related content.
Show them some love by following their social media platforms;
Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/glimug/
Instagram – @glim_ug
Twitter – @Glim_ug
For all risk and adventure lovers looking for an adrenaline trip to Africa, a safari to Uganda is the answer to all your questions. There are lots of heart-pounding adventures that you can take within Uganda. From white water rafting the Nile, paddling the Nile waters in Jinja to hiking the high mountains of the Rwenzoris, there are lots of adventure activities for both the young and the old;
The Nile River, the longest river in the world is a magnet for those looking for wild white-water rafting in Africa. Rwanda offers either a half-day or full-day white water rafting to those who want the wrestle the wild waters of the Nile. Depending on how adventurous you are, and for those who are scared of being washed away by the waves, you can choose a boat that doesn’t turn over. This all experience is enthusiastic where you can plunge down Grade-5 rapids.
If you want to try out something new you can choose to go kayaking along the Mighty River Nile. You can even try the white-knuckle jet boat ride offered by several tour operators who offer jet boating. You can choose to either go for a half-day or take a full day depending on how energetic you are.
For those who prefer a different kind of plunge, you can opt for bungee jumping on Bujagali Falls which will leave you as brave as a lion after almost hitting the rocks covered with water with your face first. Bungee jumping is carried out near the Nile River Resort, in Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda.
Uganda is one of the best places to go hiking in Africa. On a holiday through Uganda, mountain climbers can test their endurance on the world heritage listed site of the Rwenzori Mountains. Though the Rwenzoris are not the highest in Africa, they offer the best experience to mountain climbers given their difficulty. The Rwenzoris are compellingly described as the ‘mountains of the Moon’ gifted with different peaks like Margarita rising over 4000m, and the stunning views of the equatorial mist as your hike to the top. Apart from the Rwenzoris, there are several other mountains you can go hiking in Uganda. Many travelers decide to go hiking in Mount Elgon National Park located along the borders of Uganda and Kenya or the dramatic Virunga volcanoes where the borders of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda meet.
5. Gorilla Tracking
Go on an amazing gorilla trek in Uganda‘s Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga National Park. This is one of the most exciting adventures in Africa. You will meet the rare mountain gorillas up-close in the wild of Uganda.
Evidently, primates stand among the incredible species that make up the highly appreciated rich Wildlife in Uganda’s lush habitats.
Uganda is endowed with unusual habitats that consist of bamboo forests, marshes, Savannah, montane forests as well as thick tropical rain forests favorable to primates.
With this highlight, it’s no surprise to find huge numbers of primate species on a visit including the chimpanzee primates. Chimpanzees are ranked the closest primates to human beings; this makes them unique from other Uganda’s recorded primates.
You may be a person who really loves colliding eyes with chimpanzees but is still stranded on where to start from. You are not very far from arriving at the right destination, just in the Eastern part of Africa is Uganda with some destinations dubbed the primate capitals.
Plenty of travelers flocks to Uganda for this transcendent experience (meeting face to face with the chimpanzees) including first-timers and others coming for the second time.
Since Chimpanzee tracking is more than chimpanzee encounters to several sights of other Wildlife species, meeting of locals, along with taking in sweeping views of landscapes, it’s certainly an ideal adventure to turn your primate Safari in Uganda unequaled.
If you are still hesitating about Uganda’s top spots to meet the great Chimpanzees, once in a lifetime, our list scrolls down.
Kibale Forest National Park
Among Uganda’s chimpanzee hotspots, Kibale Forest National Park dominates with the highest numbers and the best to have unsurpassed primate encounters.
It is located in the Western part of Uganda near Fort portal town, home to 13 primates including the Chimpanzees. The Park is occupied by the evergreen Kibale forest that provides favorable habitats to lots of species.
You can easily get to the Park by road from Kampala via Kampala – Mityana – Mubende – Fort portal highway. Or it’s possible to connect from nearby Parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semiliki, Lake Mburo National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Chimpanzee tracking is the main activity offered in this Park in addition to Chimpanzee habituation along with some bird watching. Black and White Colobus, Blue monkeys, baboons, Vervets, Mangabeys, and Red-tailed monkeys add to the list of primates in Kibale.
Chimpanzee tracking and Habituation experiences require permits, these permits cost $150 USD and $200 USD per person respectively.
Kyambura gorge – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kyambura is positioned in the Eastern corner of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Western Uganda. It’s also called the valley of Apes.
River Kyambura drains this gorge at its broadest point, 100 m deep. Visitors to the locality are often inspired by the diverse Wildlife together with spectacular views of vast landscapes. It’s mostly occupied by Savannah and tropical rain forests that attract chimpanzee primates.
Kyambura gorge with its unmatched beauty, it’s easy to understand why most travelers consider it in their travel plans for Queen Elizabeth National Park.
On an important note, Chimpanzees in Kyambura are hard to see during some periods mostly when there is a scarcity of food, they tend to move deep into the forest in search of what to eat. Therefore, if you are after seeing them on your trip to Queen, please time your visit according to the best time to see them.
Budongo Forest
Budongo forest, a habitat to a wide range of chimpanzee primates remains the biggest mahogany forest in East Africa. It is located in northwestern Uganda part of the legendary Murchison Falls National Park.
From Kampala via Kampala – Masindi – Gulu highway you can get to the suburbs of the forest within three hours. Dominated by mahogany trees, Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro Eco-tourism sites are the main tourist sites in the forest.
Most of the Wild animals in Budongo forests such as Buffaloes, Leopards, Lions, antelopes, and more cross from the nearby central part of Murchison for the abundant vegetation.
Along with Chimpanzee trekking, travelers are impressed by nature walks via trails that crisscross the forest letting you get close to nature.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is inclusive of the only two Sanctuaries in Uganda. It is located on an island part of the Koome group of Islands – Central Uganda. The main reason for its establishment is to provide a home to the rescued orphaned and uncared chimpanzees.
Most part of the Sanctuary is occupied by Savannah grasslands, Swampy areas, and dense jungles that offer favorable habitats to the Chimpanzee primates. Ngamba is located on Lake Victoria, therefore you can get there by boat from Nakiwogo landing site – Entebbe.
With its location on the waters of Lake Victoria, you can easily get there by boat, which sets off from Entebbe – Nakiwogo landing site.
Ngamba doesn’t offer tracking experiences, Visitors participate in different other activities such as caretaking, chimpanzee feeding, and volunteering for two, three, or even one week.
Kalinzu Wildlife Reserve
Kalinzu is tucked far away in the Southwestern part of Uganda near the notable Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Not only famous among Uganda’s Wildlife reserves, but Kalinzu also has all that to offer for lovers of nature and Wildlife.
It’s home to 378 bird species, 414 tree species, 97 months, 262 butterfly species, and six numerous primates including the Chimpanzees.
Over 300 chimpanzee primates inhabit the luxuriant jungles of Kalinzu but 40 are habituated and open to tracking experiences.
Besides chimpanzee tracking, visitors engage in nature walks via trails that wind through the stretching forests, rolling hills, and valleys. Nature walks reward with scenic views of the Kazinga channel, Lake George, and peaks of Mountain Ruwenzori.
A new crop of animators and cartoonists in Africa are sparing no effort to put the continent on the map when it comes to the genre. From Ghana, to Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, animators are proving that we don’t need to rely on external content for entertainment and education.
One Ugandan animation studio has now also joined the queue. Creatures Animation Studio is set to release a high quality animated short film made by Ugandans and for Ugandans.
The short film “A kalabanda Ate My Homework”, is a tale of a boy and his encounter with a Kakalabanda (a mythical creature that is said to haunt schools in Uganda) bringing a ridiculous twist to the infamous excuse “the dog ate my homework“.
Tendo, a pupil shows up to class one day without homework – claiming that a “Kalabanda” ate it. Who’d believe such a lame excuse? No-one! How will Tendo prove his story? And does this mythical creature really exist? All these questions are what to be answered when you get to watch the short film after it’s premiere.
On coming up with the idea of animation and A kalabanda Ate My Homework.
When Raymond Malinga decided to quit his well paying job in Malaysia two years ago and come back to Uganda, he knew that there was no turning back. His dream has always been to setup up an Animation company that employs local artists and focuses on making local content aimed at exporting our experiences beyond our borders in new and interesting ways”
“I quit my job in Malaysia to come back and start an animation company that will develop Ugandan animation films. Uganda, East Africa and Africa are blessed with a rich culture,experiences and stories that have the potential to translate into impactful entertainment” Raymond explains.
In 2015, he started Creatures Animations Studio that is based in Kampala. The studio is now home to 8 animators who have been working hard to produce their first ever project- A kalabanda Ate My Homework.
The team at Creatures Animation Studios
“A kalabanda Ate My Homework is an original concept that was inspired by creature that goes by the kakalabanda and is unique to Uganda. I feel this uniqueness helps create value for our work. Our film is purely based on local characters and setting which Ugandans can relate to but also attempts to present the concept in an accessible way to anyone from beyond our borders” Raymond says.
The characters behind the voices are familiar ones that Ugandans- the target audience, will relate to. The main character voices are; Rising media personality Martha “Kay” Kagimba known for her viral Range Rover video, comedian Patrick “Salvado” Idringi, comedian Omara Daniel and upcoming children’s book author Faith Kisa .
Coming up with the film has not been an easy journey. Works started in 2015 and since the skill of animation remains unchartered to many, a lot of time was put into mastering the script, training the voicing characters and also setting up a fully fledged team capable of building and developing future project. which is typical of a growing initiative.
Beyond A kalabanda Ate My Homework
The team plans on creating many more animated projects to serve the content needs of Ugandans.”We are planning on developing TV animated shows and feature films in the future and are determined to have them see the light of day.” Raymond says.
Raymond believes in sharing of knowledge and experiences and that is why he is training more young people to become animators to create a multiplier effect that will see the rise of an animation Industry in the country and the region.
“Our aim is to recruit as many animators as possible. We have schools teaching animations but students don’t have where to go after. Creatures Animation Studio is positioning itself as a destination for aspiring animators as a relevant employment platform” Raymond explains.
On the state and feature of animations in Uganda
Raymond believes the only challenge that is limiting the jump start of the animation innovations is lack of teams. Most animation projects require a lot of labour (teams) and creating a successful one very difficult if you’re an individual.
“The current local animation landscape is populated with good animators that can accomplish tasks only at a certain scale. Film is a collaborative effort, to pull off a project like a short film, a television show or a film in a consistent way requires a team. The more teams we get the faster the industry will grow.” Raymond emphasizes.
Raymond also teaches animation at the Artfield Institute of Design where he is training young animation talents to co-create and build a network of animators in the country.
