It was mainly a Bobi Wine affair at Vision’s Ugandans Making A Difference project awards ceremony last Wednesday at Old Kampala Secondary School. 

The arrival of the artiste was greeted with cheers as fans scampered to catch a glimpse of him. A number of youth had been stationed at the venue from morning, perhaps because of his concert slated for the evening.

Fans paid little attention to the curtainraisers. When Bobi Wine fi nally got on stage, large masses of youth closed in on him. Even those who had been seated abandoned their chairs.

“It is not your fault that you are born in the ghetto, but it is your fault if you die in it,” were the words of the musician as he picked the second runner-up award for improving the lives of people in slums.

Whenever Bobi Wine mentioned “ghetto” in his performances, the ululations from the fans affi rmed the popularity of the selfproclaimed ghetto president.

In him, the slum dwellers see an ambassador, someone who cares about their plight. The youth in the slum communities also see an icon, who is proud to be associated with the community he was born.

When Bobi Wine, also one of the event’s sponsors, got off stage, his fans still followed him to his car. They escorted him all the way to Wandegeya, causing traffi c jam for about 15 minutes.

Stephen Awori of Kaggo Zone Mbuya was the overall winner of the Ugandans Making A Difference project, while Innocent Byaruhanga of Kifumbira zone in Kamwokya, Kampala, came third.

The ceremony, which also coincided with the National Federation of Slum Dwellers 10th anniversary, attracted slum dwellers from across the country. There were also performances from other artistes, exhibitions, dance and drama.

The mayor of Nakawa, Benjamin Kalumba, presents a cheque of sh3.5m to the overall winner

Rose Najjemba, the state minister for urban planning, was the chief guest at the ceremony

Slum dwellers from Kabale put up a spirited performance

Women showcasing their crafts

Women selling fresh produce

Arua slum dwellers in action