Creative Arts Training Opens New Opportunities for Youth in Rwamwanja
Text and Images: Linda Kabuzire/FCA
The moment I stepped into the rehearsal room at the Rwamwanja Youth Centre in Rwamwanja refugee settlement, I was greeted by a chorus of voices.
Some young people sang with confidence while others quietly rehearsed their lyrics, repeating each line to perfect their performances.
The atmosphere was a mix of excitement, anticipation, and determination as each participant prepared to showcase their talent.
These young people were preparing for auditions to earn a place in Finn Church Aid’s (FCA) Digital and Creative Economies (DICE) Programme.
Implemented by FCA in Uganda since 2024, the DICE Project supports refugee and host community youth to build livelihoods through digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and the creative economy.
As part of the project, FCA is offering a Creative Arts Programme that provides talented youth with an opportunity to develop their abilities in music, dance, drama, singing, rap, and instrumental performance while acquiring practical digital and entrepreneurial skills.
The auditions attracted about 100 talented young people from across Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement.
Each hopes to secure a place in the three-month training programme.
Those selected will not only refine their artistic abilities but will also learn digital marketing, personal branding, content creation, and audience engagement to help them promote their work online, grow their audiences, and generate income from their talents.
Young talents turn passion into possibilities
Among those auditioning was Mashimongo Bienforts, a Congolese refugee whose passion lies in playing the guitar. He hopes to be selected so he can sharpen his skills.
“I’ve always loved playing the guitar, but I know there is still so much I can learn. This opportunity would help me improve my skills and become a better musician. I hope one day my talent will provide an income for me and my family,” said Mashimongo.
Also hoping to earn a place in the programme was Sharo Chris, a Congolese refugee who uses rap to tell stories drawn from his life and inspire others.
“Rap allows me to tell my story and encourage other young people to believe in themselves. I want to improve my performance, recording, and songwriting so I can reach more people and build a career from my music,” he said.
According to Phiona Orishaba, Private Sector Engagement Officer/DICE Project Manager at FCA Uganda, the programme is designed to equip young people with skills that can translate their creativity into economic opportunities.
“Through the DICE Project, we want to support young people with practical skills that can help them earn a living from their talents. We are combining creative skills with digital knowledge and entrepreneurship to create opportunities for refugee and host community youth to improve their livelihoods and become more self-reliant,” said Orishaba.
The selected participants will spend three months receiving intensive training before showcasing their talents at a public performance scheduled for September in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement.
The event will celebrate their progress while connecting them with the community and potential opportunities within Uganda’s growing creative industry.
Through the DICE Project, FCA continues to create opportunities for refugee and host community youth, demonstrating that creativity, combined with digital skills and entrepreneurship, can become a powerful pathway to self-reliance, economic empowerment, and social inclusion.
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