Behind the Scenes: 4 Pillars – Echoes of Hope

How Theatre Became a Voice Against Human Trafficking in Karamoja

In the red dust of Karamoja, a drumbeat rose, not merely as a sound, but as a heartbeat of hope. It echoed through stories long silenced and carried the courage of young voices refusing to be broken. Feet moved in rhythm, dancing defiantly against the invisible chains of human trafficking. On that day, at Nsambya Sharing Youth Centre, hope truly found a home.

This was “Behind the Scenes: 4 Pillars – Echoes of Hope,” the Mwagale Foundation’s first-ever theatre advocacy event against human trafficking, and it changed everything.

When Young Voices Took the Stage

Children from the Mwagale Foundation Anti-Human Trafficking Clubs at Lokodiokodioi Primary School and Lotome Girls Primary School stood proudly on stage, alongside young talents supported through our education programs in Moroto. For many, it was their first time performing before such a large audience, yet their confidence, strength, and truth commanded the room.

They were joined by passionate performers and partners who believe deeply in the power of art for social change, including

• ✨ The Salvation Army
• ✨ Omutti Kreative
• ✨ Moroto Women’s Desk
• ✨ The KRAAL – Moroto
• ✨ Avex Entertainment Group
• ✨ And many other committed advocates and creatives

Together, they transformed the stage into a mirror of reality.

Telling the Truth Through Art

Through powerful drama, stirring songs, traditional dances, and heartfelt poetry, the performances laid bare the harsh truth of human trafficking as an organized and deeply rooted crime. The stories were raw. The emotions were real. Tears flowed freely.

Yet, beyond exposing pain, the children and youth delivered a message of resistance and resilience – one that echoed throughout the hall:

“We will not be taken. We will rise.”

It was a declaration of courage. A promise of hope.

A Gathering of Commitment and Leadership

The event was honored by the presence of Commissioner Twinomujuni Julius (COPTIP) as Guest of Honor, alongside Napak District leadership, including the RDC, CAO, LCV, DEO, Senior Probation Officer, and many other officials committed to protecting children and fighting exploitation.

The hall overflowed with community members, partners, survivor representatives, Catholic sisters and fathers, and organizations tirelessly working to uphold justice and restore dignity. It was more than an event – it was a collective stand.

Honouring the Pillars Behind the Vision

A deeply emotional moment came when Mwagale Foundation CEO Ndagire Joanita Joshirah paid tribute to Sister Fernanda of the Moroto Women’s Desk, recognizing her unwavering dedication to child protection and advocacy.

With profound gratitude, she also honored Sister Lilly, the woman who first whispered the powerful idea to “use theatre to fight this evil.” Years ago, Sister Lilly believed in this vision so strongly that she personally paid for a hall to make it possible. Though she did not live to see this day, her whisper became the spark that ignited a movement.

You are our pillars. You are forever part of this journey.

Turning Echoes Into Thunder

To every child who stepped onto that stage, every leader who listened with intention, and every partner who stood shoulder to shoulder with us – thank you. Your presence transformed quiet echoes into powerful thunder.

The drumbeat continues.

Together, we give children a second chance at life.
Together, we protect.
Together, we end human trafficking.

Let us keep this rhythm alive.