Julius Mandela playing the Adungu

In the quiet village of Okana in Maracha District in Northern Uganda, music was one of the few things that could brighten difficult days for Julius Mandela and his siblings. After their father abandoned the family, their mother struggled to raise seven children on her own. Poverty meant that Julius’ schooling was often interrupted when... Read More.

Sharon Nabbanja, a former Rockies member, now Co-Founder, Karibu Youth Performers - Africa ()KAYP - Africa.

When Sharon Nabbanja joined Rockies Organization in 2012, she was a young woman determined to build a future through her skills and creativity. At the time, she was studying at the YMCA Comprehensive Institute in Kampala, pursuing a Certificate in Cosmetology. However, the path to completing her education was far from secure Before... Read More.

Patience Nabirye, one of the students recuited through Rockies' Partnership with Nkalu Talented Artists

In the small village of Kigulu in Iganga District, Mzee Shadrack Waiswa saw something many others overlooked – talent among the young people of his community. For years he had mastered the rhythms and movements of Kisoga cultural music and dance, and he believed that these traditions could do more than preserve culture. They could create... Read More.

Lawrence on one of his international trips

Growing up in a large family of eight children, Lawrence Matovu understood early that building a future would require both determination and opportunity. His father, a farmer, and his mother, a midwife, struggled to provide for their large family, making access to quality education difficult. Like many young people from humble... Read More.

Mary Namuyomba, a former Rockies member and Finance Assistant, now pursuing a career in community health.

When Mary Namuyomba joined Rockies Organization in 2013, she was just sixteen years old with big dreams but few clear opportunities to pursue them. Like many young people navigating uncertain circumstances, she needed support, guidance, and a platform where she could grow both academically and personally. Growing up, Mary had seen how... Read More.

Benjamin Kamanzi, a former Rockies member, now Founder, Eco Band and music trainer across East Africa.

In the rural village of Ssanje in Kyotera District, Benjamin Kamanzi grew up watching his parents work tirelessly to support their family. His mother travelled from market to market selling second hand clothes, while his father spent long days tending to their farm. Together they struggled to provide for their four children, but... Read More.

Shakira Nassali’s journey with Rockies Organization is a story of growth, resilience, and creativity. When she first joined the organization in 2012, she was a talented young performer with passion and energy, but little professional experience. Like many young people with artistic ability, she had potential but lacked the exposure and... Read More.

Acrobatics in motion: Abdul blends passion, strength, discipline, and creativity in every performance.

Growing up in the crowded slums of Katwe in Kampala, Abdul Katongole learned early that survival required determination. Raised by a single mother alongside three siblings, he watched her struggle daily to provide for the family through small-scale trading. Their home was a single room, and the little income she earned was rarely enough... Read More.

Through her podcast ‘Table Talk,’ Joviah shares stories and conversations that inspire others.

Joviah Namulindwa grew up in Kasijjagirwa, Masaka District. She and her three siblings were raised by a single mother who worked hard to support the family despite limited resources. Like many families in the community, meeting school fees and other basic needs was often a struggle. These financial challenges made it difficult for Joviah... Read More.

Joyce Patricia Nabukenya, a university student and emerging leader, performing a cultural dance.

Joyce Nabukenya grew up in Wabiyinja Village in Wakiso District, the second of three children in a family that often struggled to make ends meet. Her parents were petty traders whose small incomes could barely provide for the family’s basic needs, let alone consistently cover school fees. Getting to school itself was not easy. Joyce... Read More.

From talent to enterprise: Esther’s journey reflects the power of mentorship and skills development.

When Esther Tuhirirwe joined Rockies Organization in 2016, she was a talented young girl, who was at risk of dropping out of school due to her family’s limited financial capacity. With Rockies’ support, she returned to school and completed both her secondary and vocational education. Through her involvement in dance and music, Esther... Read More.