Ghetto Kids photo moment with Speaker of Parliament Jacob Markson Oboth-Oboth

URN

Parliament has celebrated the Triplets Ghetto Kids for carrying the country’s flag onto one of the world’s biggest sporting stages. Speaker Jacob Markson Oboth-Oboth described their performance at the just-concluded World Cup finals as a journey from difficult beginnings to global recognition.

He noted that it was a powerful lesson in the transformative power of talent and opportunity. Oboth-Oboth made the remarks during plenary on Thursday, after meeting the young performers who recently represented Uganda at the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, United States.

The Triplets Ghetto Kids performed alongside global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy during the historic halftime show of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

Their appearance placed a Ugandan youth dance troupe before a global audience at the climax of the world’s biggest football tournament.

Oboth-Oboth said the achievement went beyond entertainment, arguing that the children’s journey demonstrated how talent can emerge from even the most difficult circumstances when young people are given opportunities to develop it.

“At their age, these young stars called the Ghetto Kids have stood on platforms that many can only dream of, carrying our Ugandan flag higher and making Uganda proud,” the Speaker said.

He said the group had shared an iconic global stage with international stars and received recognition during the tournament, adding that their story also had a personal resonance.

“Their journey resonates with me personally, though I am not a ghetto kid, because I, too, came from a harsh background, and I know where you start should never determine how far you can go,” he said.

“They are a powerful reminder that talent can come from anywhere and that with opportunity and determination, our young people can rise to extraordinary heights,” he added.

“I commend them for making Uganda proud, and I encourage them to continue carrying our flag high. When our young people shine, Uganda shines.” His remarks were met with prolonged applause from MPs.

As Oboth-Oboth stated: “When our young people shine, Uganda shines.”

Vice President Jessica Alupo equally weighed in and congratulated the Ghetto Kids on their recent milestone and pledged the government’s total commitment to supporting their journey. “We shall accord them an opportune moment with the President.”

The Speaker then recognised the young performers by name: Clara Ainemugisha, Ricky Banyomera, Teiyomera Keisha Maria G., Josephine Busingye, Acram Mayanja, Madrana Ssegirinya, Shaqib Muwoma, Ketra Aumot Maria G., Vanessa Namautebi, Jason Watumu, Ashraf Baziira and Ivan Kiseka.

He also recognised the adults who accompanied the group: Wisdom Enoch Romin, Kavuma Dauda, Ssentongo Ronald, Kavuma Wilson Yusuf, Jeerome Kakande, Moses Kyeyune, Benard Kakinda Gonza, Cosmas Karangwa and Shadia Lugose.

The group, founded by Dauda Kavuma, has built a global profile through viral dance performances and appearances alongside international entertainers. Their World Cup opportunity followed Shakira’s personal invitation for them to join her performance at the final.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi joined the Speaker in congratulating the young performers, using the occasion to urge young Ugandans not to surrender to the circumstances of their beginnings.

Quoting former South African President Nelson Mandela, Ssenyonyi said: “It always seems impossible until it is done.”

He described the Ghetto Kids’ achievement as evidence that perseverance can eventually overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

“The hurdles we grapple with in life, keep going; one day you will break through, so we congratulate the young stars, and we celebrate them,” Ssenyonyi said.

John Baptist Nambeshe, the representative MP for Manjiya County, also praised the group, describing their international achievement as an example of resilience and determination.

“One is not defined by where you come from; one is not defined by the humble beginnings that you emerged from but by the talent, the resilience, the potential, the creativity that one brings to society or the world,” Nambeshe said.

The Ghetto Kids’ World Cup moment was significant not because Uganda’s national football team was participating in the tournament, but because a Ugandan youth dance troupe found its own route onto football’s biggest global platform.

The group performed at the World Cup final in New Jersey alongside Shakira and Burna Boy, bringing Ugandan and African dance culture to an international audience.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis