Gender: Female
Talent Areas: Traditional Dancer and Instrumentalist

Family Background

Patience was born and raised in Kigulu Village, Iganga District, in Eastern Uganda, as one of six children in her family. Her father was a seasoned cultural performer with expertise in traditional dance, music instruction, and drum-making. Her mother was unemployed but provided strong emotional support at home.

Patience’s father played a big role in shaping her artistic journey. Despite the family’s small income, Patience’s father invested time and energy into nurturing her talent from an early age. He trained her in Kisoga cultural dances, a foundation that not only fueled her passion but also helped secure her educational future.

In Primary One, her talent earned her a bursary to attend Stella Maris Primary School in Nsuube, which supported her up to Primary Seven. Her consistent growth as a performer eventually opened the door for her to join Rockies Organization. This has been a big step in her journey of artistic and academic development.

How Rockies Organization Stepped In

After completing primary school, Patience’s father sought an opportunity for her to continue her education while advancing her artistic talent. Around the same time, Rockies Organization was conducting a talent search for talented but underserved children. Her father approached the organization, and following a comprehensive evaluation, Patience was officially enrolled.

Upon joining the organization, Rockies took full responsibility for her support, covering education, accommodation, healthcare, and daily meals. She is currently in Senior One at St. Andrew’s College, Ssanda.

Talent, Uniqueness & Achievements

Patience is a versatile and gifted performer with skills in both cultural dance and musical instruments. Currently, she plays the tube fiddle and xylophone with confidence. The dances she performs include:

• Bakisimba, Nankasa, Muwogola (Central Uganda)
• Tamenha Ibuga, Nalufuka, Irongo, Samia, Kadodi (Eastern Uganda:)
• Ekitaguriro, Runyege-Ntogoro (Western Uganda)
• Larakaraka (Northern Uganda)
• Otwenge (West Nile), and
• Zulu (South Africa)

Aspirations

Patience dreams of becoming a surgeon. Inspired by the challenges in her community’s healthcare, she hopes to bring healing and hope to those marginalized communities through provision of affordable healthcare.

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