Dancing To Belong:
In Kampala, Congolese Migrants “Hold it Together” Through Musical Performances
Written by: Rhonet Atwiine
Thursday, March 13, 2025
As the sun rises, preparations for dance practice begin. Sisal skirts are tied firmly around waists, drums are tested with deep, rhythmic beats, while young men, children, and women line up. They are ready to dance.
In a few, they start to pound their feet on the ground. Their hips sway effortlessly, arms cutting through the air as they clap and cheer in sync.
This is Peace Group Entertainment, a grassroot initiative transforming the lives of migrants in Uganda through the power of dance..
Jean Jack Mugisha, the founder of this initiative, sees dance as more than an art form. To him, It is a language, a refuge, and a bridge.
A Congolese migrant himself, Mugisha understands the weight of displacement, the silent burden of trauma, and the longing for a home that no longer exists.
Back home, Mugisha’s house was raided as armed men searched for strong recruits to join the M23 army. His father was taken, his mother brutally assaulted, and his siblings fled for their lives.
The trauma of that night weighed heavily on him, pushing him to leave everything behind and seek a fresh start in Uganda.
“When I came to Uganda, I felt lost. I had no community, no friends, no money, and no way to express the pain I carried. But I had a talent for dancing. So I began searching for events where I could showcase it. I started with public gatherings,” Mugisha recalls, scrolling through performance photos on his phone.
Many of these people have fled war and conflict, carrying not only the weight of survival but also the trauma of their pasts leaving with little more than hope.
Through dance, Mugisha has found a way to bring these migrants together, helping them reconnect with their cultures, express their emotions, and find a sense of belonging.
“I realized that dance could be a way to heal not just for me, but for many others who had been through similar experiences. That’s when I started bringing them together, training them, and creating a space where they could open up to each other while dancing,” Mugisha shares.
Gracia Iranga, a dancer in the group, and also a migrant from the joined the group ten years ago and says it has become more than just a dance troupe. It’s a family.
“I found people from my country here, people my age. I have sisters and brothers now, we share everything, our stories, our past, and now our future. I’m happy to be here, and I’m proud of what we do,” Iranga shares.
These dance performances at community events like concerts, weddings, conferences have become a bridge that connects migrants with their host society of Nsambya, Kansanga, Makindye, Bunga, and Kabalagala.
Migration and its impacts on Refugees
Globally, there are 32 million refugees, and Uganda remains one of the five largest refugee-hosting countries, with over 1.7 million refugees—an increase of 5% compared to 2023, according to UNHCR.
Data (Graph) showing the countries of origin and the regions they come from
The country has a progressive refugee policy, allowing refugees to work, access education, and integrate into local communities.
Many of these refugees come from conflict-ridden countries such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Rwanda, Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Burundi, among others.
Despite the existing policies, integration remains a challenge due to economic hardships, language barriers, and psychological trauma.
Migration is often accompanied by deep psychological scars, memories of violence, loss, and uncertainty. Recognizing this, Mugisha incorporated mental health support into the initiative.
Partnering with local therapists, the group organizes counseling sessions where members can speak openly about their struggles.
Dr Grace Kibanja, a psychologist who volunteers with the initiative, highlights that many refugees are highly sensitive to triggers due to the traumatic experiences they endured in their home countries.
“Many migrants experience post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. But the more they share with me about those haunting experiences, the more I see transformation. And, dance, in particular, also has an effect on emotional healing, because the more you dance, you tend to feel better and afresh,” Dr. Namutebi shares.
For Iranga, these sessions have been life-changing.
“I used to have nightmares every night. The past haunted me. But when we dance and share our past, I forget my troubles. Through this group, I’ve found people who understand me. I’ve learned to breathe again, to trust again, and to smile again,” She shares.
Beyond Dance
Economic empowerment among refugees is a critical factor in improving their livelihoods and fostering self-sufficiency.
Beyond artistic expression and mental health support, the model also offers economic opportunities. Many migrants arrive in Uganda with limited resources and face difficulties finding employment.
To bridge this gap, the model equips them with skills in craft-making like bags, earrings, bungles, baskets, and more, allowing them to earn a living while sharing their culture with the local community.
“We started small, making a few bags, beaded bracelets and handwoven baskets on a small scale until we realised that the market is big. Now, our work is sold at community markets, and the proceeds are reinvested to run the initiative,”explains Mugisha.
One of the artisans is Aurelie Lurhakatwika, a DRC migrant who teaches others at the center how to make crochets.
“Crocheting was my childhood skill and I never imagined that one day it would save me and people around me. When we make a lady’s handbag, we sell it for between 70,000 UGX to 100,000. We use this money to pay for school fees of our school going children as well as take care of our needs,”
Since its founding in 2022, the group has united and skilled over 100 migrants, including women, men and children.
“Without a family of my own, I see them as my only family. Here, we are brothers and sisters, supporting and understanding each other. That’s all we need, to be present, to celebrate one another, rather than dwell in sadness,” Mugisha says.
The impact of the model extends beyond its members. By performing at community events, sports, cultural festivals, and schools, the group challenges economic stereotypes about migrants and refugees.
Their performances are more than entertainment; they are statements of resilience, talent, and integration.
Peter Otieno, an event organizer in Makindye who has hosted the group multiple times, attests to their influence.
“Their performances stand out because they bring an international flair that sets them apart from other performers. They have changed how I think about migrants. Now I see them not just individuals in need; entrepreneurs, and valuable contributors to society.”
As the drumbeat slows and the dancers take their final bow, the applause is thunderous.
But the true impact of the group is not just in the cheers, it is in the lives transformed, the wounds healed, and the communities bridged.
For Jean Jack Mugisha, the vision is clear:
“We are not just dancers. We are storytellers, we are survivors, we are a family. And through our art, we are building a future where migrants are seen, heard, and valued.”
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