The mission of The Bitone Children’s Home/Troupe is to restore the lives and hopes of Ugandan children between 8 and 18 years old who have lost their parents or homes due to the various hardships faced in Uganda. The program was founded in 2004 by Branco Sekalegga, and Hassan Kayemba with the vision of “Restoring Hope by Nurturing the Body and Spirit.” Bitone youth are provided with basic food and shelter, a nurturing environment, an academic education, and counseling. Through learning traditional African music, dance, folklore and theater, the children build self-esteem, become self-reliant and contribute to creating a peaceful future for the next generations of Ugandans and others worldwide. Bitone operates from a rented home that can accommodate up to 25 children in the Lugoba village, located in the Kawempe division of Kampala, Uganda 6 kilometers from Kampala's city center.
Project Focus has been working with Bitone to record and market their music outside of Uganda. Through the sale of Bitone albums, the center can raise funds to better care for its current members, and expand its resources to support more children in need. Through gaining an international audience, Bitone youth can attain resources and opportunities to help them become responsible leaders in Uganda.
"Omusango" A sorrowful song sung by someone who wants to flee the place where he/she was born due to the wrangles they face.
This video gives an introduction to Bitone Children's Home, and features performance footage from their participation in The East African Theatre Institute's cultural festival in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Nov 2008.