Ent. & Lifestyle
Heroes' welcome for Ghetto Kids after FIFA World Cup performance
Heroes' welcome for Ghetto Kids after FIFA World Cup performance
By: Ranell Dickson Nsereko, Journalist @New Vision
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The Triplets Ghetto Kids returned home to a heroes' welcome on Monday, August 03, 2026, after making history on the global stage with a groundbreaking performance at the FIFA World Cup final halftime show.
The group landed at Entebbe International Airport at around 10:00 a.m. to jubilant scenes as fellow dancers, fans, friends and well-wishers gathered to receive them.
Waving Ugandan flags and chanting their names, supporters celebrated the young dancers' remarkable achievement of representing the country before millions of viewers worldwide.
The excitement did not end at the airport, as the convoy made its way from Entebbe to Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in Kampala, where crowds lined sections of the road to catch a glimpse of the dancers.
Eight Ugandan children were selected to perform alongside global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy during the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show on July 19, 2026. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 to lift the coveted trophy.
Speaking at the press conference, the group's caretaker, Dauda Kavuma, described the journey as challenging but worthwhile. He revealed that the dancers almost missed the opportunity because of travel restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak, which had led to the temporary closure of the relevant embassy in Uganda.
"It wasn't easy for us to travel because of Ebola. The embassy here was closed. Shakira's team made sure we travelled to Ecuador, where we spent 21 days in quarantine. While we were there, the Ugandan embassy facilitated our visas, and we were finally able to continue our journey," he explained.
Speaking at the press conference, the group's caretaker, Dauda Kavuma, described the journey as challenging but worthwhile. He revealed that the dancers almost missed the opportunity because of travel restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak, which had led to the temporary closure of the relevant embassy in Uganda.
"It wasn't easy for us to travel because of Ebola. The embassy here was closed. Shakira's team made sure we travelled to Ecuador, where we spent 21 days in quarantine. While we were there, the Ugandan embassy facilitated our visas, and we were finally able to continue our journey," he explained.
Kavuma praised Shakira and her team for standing by the children throughout the experience. "Shakira made sure we were well catered for and taken good care of until we performed. She gave the children an opportunity to perform with her and promised to visit Uganda one day. She also said we will continue working together," he said.
The Ghetto Kids have been away from Uganda for almost one and a half months as they prepared for and participated in the global event.
During the press conference, Pearl Kitimbo, the brand and communications manager at Crown Beverages Limited, reaffirmed the company's commitment to supporting the talented youngsters.
"This is not the beginning of our journey with the Ghetto Kids. We have supported them before. For their return, through our flagship brand Pepsi, we are more than excited to fuel them so that they can dance more!"
Businessman Amos Nzeyi also facilitated them with sh100m towards the completion of the Ghetto Kids' home in Nakawuka.
The Ghetto Kids have been away from Uganda for almost one and a half months as they prepared for and participated in the global event.
During the press conference, Pearl Kitimbo, the brand and communications manager at Crown Beverages Limited, reaffirmed the company's commitment to supporting the talented youngsters.
"This is not the beginning of our journey with the Ghetto Kids. We have supported them before. For their return, through our flagship brand Pepsi, we are more than excited to fuel them so that they can dance more!"
Businessman Amos Nzeyi also facilitated them with sh100m towards the completion of the Ghetto Kids' home in Nakawuka.