From wowing crowds on global stages, collaborating with renowned artistes and raising the Uganda Flag high wherever they shine, the young, energetic dancers – the Ghetto Kids, are extending their charm to the countryside as they tour Semuliki and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
The 4-day trip which was sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities is, among others, in recognition and appreciation of the group’s untiring efforts in representing Uganda through their art, their recent feat being the golden buzzer win for their performance at the Britain’s Got Talent show.
The group, under the management of Mr. Dauda Kavuma, was flagged off for the Western Uganda tour on Wednesday December 27th by the Assistant Commissioner of Tourism Mr. Vivian Lyazi at the Ministry headquarters in Kampala.
This, according to Lyazi is also an opportunity for the young boys and girls to experience the natural beauty of their country as well as equip themselves with information that better speaks to what destination Uganda has to offer.
“Much as we are giving them this tour as a token of appreciation as tourism ambassadors, we are certain that this exposure will give them confidence to sell Uganda better,” he noted.
According to Mr. Kavuma, this tour will further instill the spirit of nationalism among the children as well as boost their confidence in representing the country.
Mr. Kavuma further noted that this was the kids’ first time visiting these major tourism sites and “it is a unique experience for us all.”
“The Ministry of Tourism has rewarded us for representing the country well. We have been in talks to see how we can be equipped with information regarding the tourism sites around the country so that we have much more to talk about Uganda when we are asked. That’s why they gave us this chance to tour these places,” Mr. Kavuma said in an interview with Prime News.
He added, “the kids are now in a better position to market Uganda especially when they meet people who know less about this beautiful country. Even for me as a person, this is a great opportunity to experience the beauty of Uganda. We appreciate this tour and we look forward to more explorations.”
The youngsters were particularly captivated by the folklore surrounding the existence of the features in the volcanic fields; the highlight being the formation of the Sempaya ‘male’ and ‘female’ hot springs in Semuliki National Park.
The folklore, preserved by the Bamaga community, states that centuries ago, a foreign man was found in the forest with his dog and a spear. Upon agreement, the locals decided to welcome the man into the community from which he would soon marry.
With a happy ending nowhere in sight, the man would then disappear while on a hunting excursion and all that was ever found was the bark cloth he wore and his spear. At that point, locals also discovered a pool of hot water, which would be named the Male hot spring.
Anguished about the disappearance of her husband Biteete, Nyansimbi embarked on a search in the forest and she too disappeared at a hot water puddle that would be referred to as the female hot spring.
After an exciting journey to Fort Portal which had interludes of street entertainment highlighted by the kids’ engagement with the locals at Mubende roadside market, day two would only get better as they enjoyed the drive through the mesmerizing landscapes of Ntoroko en route to the Semuliki National Park where fun, exhilaration and bonding with nature happens.
While they took in the breathtaking views, it was typical of the youngsters to get the boom box on and do what they do best. This time, however, young boys from the community didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to battle the city lads in a couple of dance rounds.
For day three, the highlight of the excursion was the visit to Mahoma Falls in Kabarole.
Outpouring in every sense of the word, the white waters descend the gigantic, algae-infested rocks of Mahoma, creating a rumble that can be heard from miles away. Mahoma Falls had the Ghetto Kids under the spell – mouths gaping, heads tilted North and eyes sparkling with adoration at the sight of the huge water volumes crashing against the rocks violently, amusingly, endlessly.
With a quick detour at Lodge Bella Vista, the group encountered yet again, another sight to behold – the breathtaking Nyamiteza Crater lake cradled beneath hills whose slopes mimic a well kempt yard with various crops thriving in the fertile volcanic soils,
The tour climaxed with a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel. The visibly excited children spotted various animals that are resident to the Channel such as the hippos, crocodiles among others and the giants -elephants that quench their thirst by the banks.
Speaking to Prime News, Aumoti Ketra, one of the members of the dancing group said her highlight of the trip was the visit to Mahoma Falls while Jojo’s was the hike up Kyeganywa Hill.
