The Ndere Cultural Centre is locaed in Kampala, Uganda and managed by Stephen Rwangyezi.

Art is inherent in every culture throughout the world. It unites us, informs us and inspires us. Stephen Rwangyezi understands the importance of art and the benefit it can have upon a society. The Ndere Cultural Centre, located in Uganda’s capital city of Kampala, is the realisation of his dream to reignite traditional Ugandan culture in the country. Originally the purpose of Ndere was simply to have an arts centre in Uganda. However, as Stephen explains, art for art’s sake is not something one can survive on, especially when the country’s budget does not prioritise theatrical peripheries. This is why Ndere hosts a variety of cultural events and functions, allowing Stephen to showcase Ugandan culture through singing, dancing and other forms of communication, while turning a respectable profit at the same time.

The Ndere Cultural Centre opened its doors to the beat of its own drums in 2003. Currently going through an expansion process, many new facilities are under construction. The Ndere premises are also hired out for conferences and other functions, which brings in a significant contribution to the turnover.

Exclusively traditional materials are used in the development of the buildings, which adds to the centre’s unique cultural authenticity. In addition to hosting functions, Stephen has started ancillary businesses on the side, in order to raise finances to support the more dramatic component of the concept. Guest accommodation, where up to sixty people can reside at any given time, is one such example.

One of Stephen’s primary goals in creating The Ndere Centre was to save traditional Ugandan culture and to keep it alive. He feels this is critical, as over the last century many of these traditions have dissipated. This is consequential of historic institutions such as churches, deliberately preaching against non-biblical practices, maintaining that if you played an African instrument you would be religiously condemned. What has slowly started to happen over the years since the centre was created is the replacement of western preferences such as brass and jazz bands at functions, with more traditional African performances.  Now, no “civilized” function is complete unless it is accompanied by authentic cultural expression.

The greatest benefit that the Ndere Centre offers to Uganda is the ability to spread messages to the rural communities across the country. Since most residents in these villages do not read or watch television, what better way for them to be informed then by watching a live demonstration? Well known theatre groups are also part of the business, known fondly as the Ndere Troupe. So, when organisations approach Stephen about delivering a message, whether it is related to health, the environment, politics, or any other topic – and pay the talent for doing so, the Ndere Troupe will go into these communities and perform to inform with no cost to the audience.

The Ndere Centre in Uganda proves, above all else, that culture and business can go hand in hand and that art is something to be cherished. A Ugandan by birth and an entrepreneur by heart, Stephen fulfils his leadership role as an active artist and an enthusiastic businessman. “If you are the Chief Executive Officer, then you act, you do it, you execute things. It’s not Chief Commanding Officer.”
- Stephen Rwangyezi, CEO Ndere Cultural Centre and Troupe.