ENTEBBE — Uganda’s celebrated dance troupe, the Ghetto Kids, returned home on Monday to a jubilant reception at Entebbe International Airport following their historic performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show.
Hundreds of fans, family members and supporters thronged the airport’s arrivals terminal, waving Ugandan flags, cheering and capturing the emotional homecoming on their mobile phones as the young performers arrived. The atmosphere turned celebratory as supporters chanted, danced and lifted some of the troupe members onto their shoulders in recognition of their global achievement.
The welcome came just weeks after the Ghetto Kids became the first Ugandan performers to appear at a FIFA World Cup final halftime show, taking the global stage during the tournament’s showpiece event at New York New Jersey Stadium. Their performance formed part of the inaugural FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, which featured international stars including Shakira, Burna Boy, Madonna, BTS and Justin Bieber, and was produced in partnership with Global Citizen.
The Ugandan dance group shared the stage with Colombian superstar Shakira during the performance, capping a remarkable journey that began in the streets of Katwe, a Kampala suburb, before earning international acclaim through viral dance videos and television appearances.
The Ghetto Kids first gained worldwide attention in 2014 with their energetic dance routines before further raising their profile through performances on international talent shows and collaborations with global music stars. Their appearance at the World Cup final marked another milestone in a career that has transformed them into cultural ambassadors for Uganda.
Supporters at Entebbe described the dancers’ achievement as a proud moment for the country, saying their success demonstrates that talent and determination can open doors to the world’s biggest stages regardless of one’s background.
Founded by Dauda Kavuma, popularly known as Manager Ticha, the Ghetto Kids initiative combines dance with social support, providing education, shelter and mentorship to vulnerable children while nurturing their artistic talent. The group has become a symbol of hope for many young Ugandans growing up in disadvantaged communities.
Their World Cup appearance also drew praise from Shakira, who highlighted the children’s talent and urged greater investment in disadvantaged young people, saying every child deserves opportunities to thrive.
As the celebrations continued at Entebbe, many fans said the Ghetto Kids’ latest achievement had once again placed Uganda in the global spotlight, inspiring a new generation of young people to dream beyond their circumstances.
