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Mbarara's Roots and Culture Entertainment group is rewriting the ghetto story

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Mbarara's Roots and Culture Entertainment group is rewriting the ghetto story
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Once stigmatized as hubs of idleness and crime, the ghetto youths in Mbarara have built a community of creativity and empowerment.

In Katete, Mbarara City, the Roots and Culture Entertainment Base is rewriting the narrative of ghettos. Once stigmatized as hubs of idleness and crime, the ghetto youths have built a community of creativity and empowerment, turning challenges into opportunities and reshaping their lives.

The base is home to over 150 youths, including musicians, producers, songwriters, hairdressers, tailors, builders, and visual artists.

"When I reached here, I mobilized youths and trained them in hairdressing and tailoring together with my friends. We would move door-to-door to offer services and make money," shared Julius Baguma, aka Master J, the head of Roots and Culture.

Music has become a cornerstone of this transformation, providing a source of income and a platform for powerful messages.

"Every song produced impacts a life somewhere," said producer Peter Ayebare, aka Ayebs Pro. "You cannot count the number of musicians that come to the studio from this ghetto. Every day, I receive over 10."

Artists have found both purpose and profit in their work.

"I am the music, and music is I. This is a great source of income to many because producers and promoters benefit from my music," said Joseph Arinaitwe, aka Love Star.

Matovu Uzaifa, aka Rabbit, noted, "The music we play here soothes sorrow. Many ghetto youths join this ghetto with challenges, but I believe this music speaks to their souls and creates change."

Beyond music, the ghetto youths are skilled in tailoring, painting, art, and design. These talents not only sustain their livelihoods but also reduce crime in the community.

"As a ghetto, when one has talent in art, it can be their source of income; it feeds them," said artist Rismus Kihembo, aka Rismal.

Baguma highlighted the transformation, saying, "Previously, this ghetto was known for grabbing bags, robbery, and other crimes, but these offenses have been completely erased from the community."

Despite their progress, the ghetto youths continue to face societal stigma and harassment from law enforcement. "Sometimes our people are invaded by police even when no offense is committed," said Baguma.

The lack of equipment and finances also hinders their ability to train more youths and expand their initiatives.

"People in this ghetto learn from one another, and each one has a unique skill which keeps them responsible community members without engaging in theft," he explained.

"We appeal to the government to support us with capital to expand these skills to every ghetto youth, promote peace, and reduce crime."

Through savings groups, mobile clinics for hairdressing and tailoring, and vibrant music production, the Roots and Culture Entertainment Base is proving that ghettos can be hubs of talent and hard work.

These youths are not just beating the odds; they are setting an example of resilience and innovation for the entire community.

"Every day we strive to create a better future," Baguma said. "With the right support, this ghetto can become a beacon of hope."

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