Ndere Center
Come in, to another world!
Ndere Center the green Ugandan cultural island in Kampala
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When you pass by the reception hall of Ndere Centre on Ntinda-Kisaasi Road, you will have the feeling that you have arrived on a peaceful island. It is not only the unique architectural design and the nice gardens, it is the atmosphere of Ugandan culture and art which makes you want to stay in this place. Ndere Centre is the home of the well known “Ndere Troupe”, a group that brings you the magnificent performances from and of Uganda. The word “Endere” means flute. Ndere Troupe, therefore, means Flute Troupe. The flute was chosen as a symbol of beauty and unity. All peoples of the world have a flute in their cultures; it is a most versatile instrument that can express all our moods love, sorrow, happiness, anger and hope. |
But the Ndere Troupe itself is not only a dance and performance group, the goals are as well in social education. The Troupe Members are mainly young people who are artistically talented but socially disadvantaged, so the Troupe provides them an opportunity to break the vicious cycle of poverty and realize their full potential, personal goals and ambitions.
Mr. Rwangyezi Stephen who founded the Troupe in 1984 is convinced that art is one of the most powerful ways of transforming Ugandans to be proud of themselves.
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Ndere Centre is not only the home of Ndere Troupe it is the starting and turning point for more than 1600 UDTA Groups (Uganda Development Theatre Association). These Theatre Groups which are spread all over Uganda do a very helpful and important work for Ugandan society, in the rural areas they educate and entertain people through their music, dance and drama. Issues like AIDS, health education, conflict resolution are raised through entertainment for easy dissemination to local people. These theatre Groups come for trainings and workshops organized by Ndere Troupe at Ndere Centre and bi-annually they hold a grand festival which provides a platform for national and international exchange. The weekly program at Ndere Centre gives us a variety of the Ugandan culture, on Thursday you can enjoy the combination of African and western instruments playing jazz in a unique style, on Friday you can attend the “KOI KOI” |
around the fireplace with riddles and storytelling from several artists and in the Sunday Family show you will get connected to the wealth of Ugandans dances and music performed by Ndere Troupe and the children can enjoy their first experience on stage.
Ndere Center has a Guest House, Amphitheatre, Auditorium and a Bar and Restaurant that is open through out the week. Ndere center, “The Home of Art” welcomes all genres of artists and people of different walks of life to use, participate and bring the variety of art and culture to the centre. Ndere Center is organizing great Christmas Programs this Year. All this great work is kindly sponsored by the Austrian Development Agency.
