Way back in 2010, it was time for the Norwegian University College of Dance (NUCD) to internationalize its programs and expose students to cultures unique to those in Norway. NUCD wanted to learn more about the origins of music and dance and Africa was definitely the destination. Hopes to connect with Africa were raised when NUCD met Dr. Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza, who had come from Uganda to visit Norway. Sylvia introduced NUCD to the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF), igniting collaboration with Makerere University and partnership with PAF. Since then, NUCD has never left the gates of Makerere!!!

In 2011, the first group of students from Norway came to Makerere, which crystallized the North/South and South/North mutual collaboration. What started as an adventure, a small sprout began to grow; indeed, everything grows so easily in a land on the equator.

Fast forward to 2019 and the NUCD-PAF marriage has through the years moved to another level. It is time to bring the community to Makerere University. Every year, Makerere University opens its gates to performing arts groups, potential students, parents and the general audience to present snapshot of what is happening at PAF and the progress of the collaboration. On this special day, the Makerere University Freedom Square is the meeting space for music, drama and film exhibitions and dance festival. The Dance Festival is a dialogue between the community artists, PAF and NUCD students. Potential students also receive information regarding admission into the Performing Arts and Film programs.

So come this Saturday, 6th April 2019, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, “HAKUNA MATATA”  “No worries”, this year's production, this hard work is told through choreographies and sounds of unity; we do not give up, we scrub and wash together when needed.

Please see Downloads for details

For more on HAKUNA MATATA or the Mak-NCD Collaboration please contact:

Dr. Sylvia A. Nannyonga-Tamusuza           Professor Ann Kristin Norum
Associate Professor of Music                      Rector
Chair, Performing Arts and Film                 Norwegian University College of Dance

Mob: +256-777-495212                            Mob: +256-773-780541
Mail: ethnomusic[at]gmail.com                      Email: ann.k.norum[at]ndh.no