Guess. What. After a year and a half of building, a few years of planning, and many years of dreaming, WE HAVE OFFICIALLY OPENED THE KITGUM YOUTH CULTURAL SPACE. We will say it again for those in the back… THE YOUTH CENTRE IS O.P.E.N. I’m not sure if you all know how amazing this is, but in case you don’t, it’s amazing. This is the first community-owned community space that will serve as a hub for all things young people and all things creativity. This space is the physical manifestation of all the dreams, hope, persistence, dedication, passion, strength, and love of creative changemakers in Kitgum. It is also the physical manifestation of community and partnership, both in Kitgum and across the world. We want to give a huge thank you to all the people who have been a part of this dream, from day one until now. You do not know how much your support means to us nor how impactful it will be in the lives of many for years to come.
[on that note: the centre is not yet *complete,* so if you would like to be a part of this movement for long-lasting, sustainable, community-driven change, please check out (and share!) our GoFundMe page]
We had an amazing grand-opening event on 25 May 2019. We began the event with a march from Kitgum Town Centre to the Youth Centre, accompanied by a brass band. Once we reached the space, we kicked off a day filled with commitments to make this the most active and impactful space in the district and the region. Youth groups and representatives from across Kitgum were present, we had our partners and family from the Lake Minnetonka Excelsior Rotary Club in Minnesota present, and, most humbly, we had our distinguished guests: Raymond Ocan, the LCIII of Pandwong Division, the Resident District Commission (RDC–representative of the President in Kitgum), and honourable Beatrice Anywar, Member of Parliament for Kitgum Municipality. It was clear they were all impressed with and admired the dedication, passion, and commitment of NUHC to create such a positive space for the young people in Kitgum. They were eager to offer their praises and support. There was an electric sort of energy present that day, one that can not be well described but only felt. People are ready for change, and this space has become a place dedicated to fostering and amplifying that change. We ended the ceremony with a cutting of the ribbon, signing names on the wall, and planting trees as a way to symbolize growth, life, and our dedication to making the world a better place for all.
marching to the centre 
the official opening 
planting trees for the future 
this 
is 
joy 
two of the original minds behind the centre
While we once thought of the opening of the centre would be a goal to which we aimed to strive, we realized on the day of the opening, that this is just the beginning. Of course, the importance and power of the opening is not lost on us, and we have taken time to celebrate, we also know the real work begins now. And, we are up for the challenge. We hope you are too! The week after the launch, we had young people packed in the building working on their dances. The next week, we had young people surrounding the space working on their raps. It’s real, folks, this is where magic is going to happen and we. cannot. wait.
Hopefully more updates to come soon! Until then, thank you for the love and support. We will leave you with a quote from our mentor, Madiba, one that keeps us going even when the times are tough: “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
much love, team nuhc
Northern Uganda Hiphop Culture 