Kampala. Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth has praised the Ghetto Kids for showcasing Uganda on the global stage, describing the Katwe-based dance group as “Ugandan ambassadors” following their performance at the 2026 Fifa World Cup final.
Mr Oboth said the group’s journey from Katwe to one of the world’s biggest sporting events demonstrated the potential of Ugandan talent to overcome social and geographical barriers.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, the Speaker said the dancers had given Uganda international visibility despite the national football team not featuring at the tournament.
“The Ghetto Kids have stood on the ground and made Uganda proud,” Mr Oboth said.
He added: “I describe them as Ugandan ambassadors. When they shine, Uganda shines. Even when Uganda didn’t participate in the World Cup, through the Ghetto Kids, Uganda was represented on that global stage.”
The Ghetto Kids performed during the halftime entertainment at the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, sharing the stage with Colombian singer Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy.
The group’s appearance came after Shakira was impressed by their dance videos inspired by the tournament anthem. They subsequently joined the two international artistes for a performance of Dai Dai, the official tournament anthem.
The performance marked another major milestone for a group whose journey began in Kampala’s Katwe suburb and has taken its members to international entertainment platforms.
From Katwe to the world
The Ghetto Kids are managed by Dauda Kavuma through the Inspire Ghetto Kids Foundation, which uses dance to create opportunities for orphaned and vulnerable children.
The initiative has provided children with opportunities in education, personal development and entertainment while giving them international exposure.
The group gained international recognition in 2017 after featuring in French Montana’s hit song Unforgettable, whose music video attracted a global audience.
In 2023, the dancers appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, where judge Bruno Tonioli awarded them a Golden Buzzer, sending them directly to the live shows. They subsequently reached the competition’s final.
The group also travelled to Qatar in 2022, where they participated in activities surrounding the Fifa World Cup.
Their appearance at the 2026 World Cup final has, however, become one of their most prominent international engagements.
Ssenyonyi praises resilience
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi also commended the group, saying their story should encourage young Ugandans facing difficult circumstances to pursue their ambitions.
“The hurdles you go through in life cannot deter you in life,” Mr Ssenyonyi said.
He said the group had demonstrated that a person’s background does not have to determine their future.
“The Ghetto Kids are proof that where you start does not determine where you finish. They turned pain into purpose and struggle into stardom,” he said.
The dancers received a standing ovation from MPs across the political divide during their recognition in Parliament.
Leaders call for more support
The recognition prompted calls for increased investment in Uganda’s creative industry and programmes aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent.
Mr Oboth called on the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Ministry of Sports to work with the group to mentor more children with talent.
Mr Ssenyonyi urged the private sector to invest in arts and culture, saying the sector can provide employment, economic opportunities and strengthen Uganda’s cultural diplomacy.
Mr Oboth said the success of the Ghetto Kids should encourage the country to support young people with talent regardless of their background.
“This is what Uganda is capable of. Let us support our children, because the next ambassador could be coming from any corner of this country,” he said.
The Ghetto Kids’ recognition in Parliament adds another chapter to the group’s journey from Katwe to international stages, where their performances have continued to draw attention to Uganda’s creative talent.