TIPAC Children’s Festival debuts with strong message against drug abuse

Kampala, Uganda – The first edition of the TIPAC (Theatre Initiative for Pearl of Africa Children) Festival was successfully held at the National Theatre on Saturday, April 26 to Sunday, 27, 2025, drawing hundreds of pupils, parents, and school choirs in a vibrant showcase of music, dance, and drama.

The two-day event, which brought together choirs from Clevers Origin Primary Schools, Kitintale, Maganjo, and Kasokoso branches, and guest schools such as St. Maximus Primary School, Reliable Foundation School, and Preparatory Primary School, ran under the theme: “A Critical Interpretation to Curbing Drug Abuse and Enhancing Learner Retention.”

Children competed for medals and gift prizes through thematic performances aimed at promoting farming, anti-drug messages, and the importance of education. The event was also supported by farming enterprises, in line with some of the production themes.

Mr. Mugwanya Christopher, the founder and director of Clevers Origin Schools, said the festival had initially been an internal competition for the Clevers school branches but was expanded into a national platform to give more children the opportunity to experience theatre.

“This initiative is also aimed at bringing children to theatre and exposing them to theatrical experiences at a young stage,” Mugwanya noted, as he thanked the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC), event partners, and sponsors for their support.

Mr. Godfrey Kanaabi Hudson, one of the event organisers, revealed plans to grow the festival into a continental event. “Next year’s edition will feature school choirs from Tanzania, South Africa, and Ghana,” he said.

Parents in attendance praised the initiative for nurturing talent and educating children through creative expression. The TIPAC Festival is now poised to become an annual feature on Uganda’s children’s arts and culture calendar.