Beautiful Moments in Uganda
"I am fortunate to witness the transformative power of music in young lives. Our children face numerous challenges, yet through music, cultural arts, and gymnastics, they find a sense of purpose, confidence, and community. It reminds us of the universal role these things can play in building connections and resilience, no matter where we are in the world." - Aidah Nakitto, M-LISADA Music Coordinator
Learn more about M-LISADA here.
Last summer, we connected with Bosco Segawa from M-LISADA, an orphanage system based in Uganda, who shared how music and dance are central to their community. He dreamed of adding guitar to their creative journey.
Thanks to Free Guitars 4 Kids and Cálido Guitars, we sent 30 beautiful guitars and 60 sets of Augustine Strings overseas. Seven months later, the instruments arrived!
By June 2024, we began training their teachers, former residents of the program who are now giving back, and in late August, classes began.
In just three months, this incredible community has achieved inspiring progress. We're in awe of their dedication and talent, and we’re deeply grateful to our partners for making this possible.
We’re thrilled to share two beautiful videos that capture the magic:
An older group singing and playing “Lean On Me” in a heartfelt performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju127hZwpvE
and a group of beginners playing alongside a traditional Udungu harp.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgOJB7mS97E
"At M-LISADA, the belief that music can change lives isn’t just a mantra. Among the many instruments that have found their way into the hands and hearts of the children here, the guitar has emerged as a beacon of creativity, confidence, and self-expression. Since its introduction, guitar classes have been more than just a music lesson; they’ve been a journey of transformation for the children.
For many children at M-LISADA, life has been a series of challenges, with stories of hardship often overshadowing their potential. The guitar has given these children a fresh voice—a way to communicate emotions and ideas that words sometimes cannot express. Whether it’s strumming simple chords or composing heartfelt melodies, these classes have become a therapeutic outlet, fostering emotional healing and resilience.
Learning the guitar isn’t just about mastering music; it’s about discipline, practice, and perseverance. As the children navigate the intricacies of finger placements and chord transitions, they develop confidence in their abilities. This newfound self-assurance doesn’t just stay in the music room; it spills over into their interactions, academics, and everyday lives.
Guitar classes are not just about individual learning—they’re a shared experience. As the children practice together, they learn the value of teamwork, patience, and mutual support. These social skills are invaluable as they build relationships and navigate their future paths.
For younger children at M-LISADA, seeing their peers play the guitar has sparked curiosity and inspiration. This ripple effect ensures that the love for music and the opportunities it brings continue to grow within the community.
The impact of guitar classes at M-LISADA goes beyond music; it’s about changing lives. It’s about giving children a tool to dream bigger, a reason to believe in themselves, and a platform to inspire others.
As the sound of strumming fills the air at M-LISADA, it’s clear that the guitar is more than just an instrument—it’s a symbol of hope, growth, and transformation. And for the children whose lives it has touched, it’s the melody of a brighter future.
The arrival of the guitars has expanded opportunities for our children to learn new skills, express themselves creatively, and connect with others through music." - Aidah Nakitto, M-LISADA Music Coordinator