LAB UGANDA
our pioneer musical project in one of the world’s largest refugee settlements
LAB UGANDA is our largest project in collaboration with our implementing partner Brass for Africa.
Since 2021, through music, we offer a cultural anchor for displaced people, bring education to youths, foster talent and encourage peace. LAB UGANDA promotes the creative economy in BidiBidi, one of the largest refugee settlements in the world.
teacher Ssali and children in BibiBidi zone 1
BidiBidi´s first ever marching band, Alpha Community Brass Band in zone 3
first encounter with brass instruments in BidiBidi zone 3
LAB UGANDA truck in BidiBidi zone 1 during an event to end gang violence
setting up for an event in BidiBidi zone 3
the entire team at our Yumbe base camp
„UNHCR and OPM (Office of Prime Minister) can provide food and basic needs but there is a lot more to life than food and basic needs. LAB UGANDA project is providing a chance for these Persons of Concern to flourish and the LAB truck as the masterpiece of the project is the key to all of this.“
— Andrew Agassi, Brass for Africa, COO
THIS IS LAB UGANDA
LAB UGANDA is a fully equipped truck with stage, recording studio, a small cinema and instruments. Its mobility allows us to reach the entire population of BidiBidi´s 5 zones spread over 235 km².
THIS IS COMMUNITY MUSIC
The Community Music program, run by our partner Brass for Africa, multiplies the impact of our fully equipped truck LAB UGANDA.
Brass for Africa teaches brass instruments and life skills to hundreds of kids and adolescents weekly. This musical engagement with communities encourages peaceful coexistence, improves mental health and develops life skills.
HEALTH CARE
In collaboration with Morpho Foundation LAB UGANDA improves lives of refugees and host community in BidiBidi, addressing mental health, menstrual care and hygiene.
Mental health issues are very common in refugee settlements due to war trauma and living conditions. The suicide rates are high, even amongst children and young people (Q1 2023 Uganda Suicide Dashboard). LAB UGANDA health officer trains 35 health ambassadors from our refugee brass bands. In turn, they inform their community about mental health issues, explain where to find help and teach how to deal with mentally affected people.
Menstruation is a big issue for most of the girls and women in BidiBidi. During that time they can't leave the house, missing school or work, which perpetuates gender inequality. With the support of Morpho Foundation we provide and also produce sanitary supplies. The health ambassadors inform about the natural process of menstruation.
Hygiene is a common concern in BidiBidi. Ambassadors inform about the benefits of hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases. By providing soap and water we raise the hygiene standards for everyone attending LAB UGANDA activities.
LAB UGANDA events offer a platform to share knowledge and messages to a wide audience through songs and drama.
MUSIC FOR HEALTH CARE
Molly Nabwami, LAB UGANDA health officer
INSTRUMENT REPAIR SHOP
Following the huge increase of instrument numbers in BidiBidi, LAB UGANDA launched an instrument repair shop in March 2024. The lack of skilled instrument repair personnel country-wide creates a gap that we are keen to fill. Over the next three years, a team of 6 LAB UGANDA musicians will be trained by experienced Kenyan instrument repairer Kevin Obara and renowned Bavarian brass instrument maker Franz Weber. With their newly acquired qualifications they will be able to take advantage of opportunities available in a growing creative industry job market.
It is expected that our instrument workshop will produce the most qualified employees in the country. While the training is ongoing the repair shop is already providing its services.
PARTNERSHIP
Brass for Africa is our cooperation partner for the LAB UGANDA in Bidibidi. The renowned and award-winning NGO ensures optimal use of the LAB and delivers a tailor-made training program with Community Music.
THE IDEA BEHIND THE PROJECT
“We were overwhelmingly warmly received during our 2019 concert tour in Uganda. Many people we talked to gave us insights into their unique situations. They made us understand that there is a great wish to learn, to express themselves, to be heard and to simply move on with their young lives. I returned back home having made a solid commitment to myself: support these children and adolescents in the refugee settlements in Uganda.”
— Annette Davidson, MUSIC CONNECTS
DO YOU WANT TO SUPPORT US?
There are many ways in which you can support. Your time, experience, instrument donations or simply your contacts which help us promote LAB UGANDA. Get in touch through the contact form below or make a donation.
GET IN TOUCH
Do you have any questions?
We look forward to hearing from you:
only@musicconnects.world
MUSIC CONNECTS e.V.
Ahornstraße 23
D-85775 Unterföhring
Germany