Oscar Ssenyonga, a tenacious, ambitious, and creatively-driven professional, was born and raised in the heart of Kampala, Uganda. His expertise spans across multiple fields, including arts, climate change, human rights activism, and business management/administration.
From a young age, Ssenyonga discovered his passion for the arts, particularly in the realm of Artistic Dance and Choreography. He delved into integrating East African traditional, contemporary, and break dance, showcasing his incredible talent and boundless creativity.
However, Ssenyonga’s journey wasn’t solely about personal achievements. He saw the potential of art as a powerful medium for positive change. In 2013, he founded the Mambya Arts Foundation, a Ugandan non-profit organization with a mission to provide young people with a platform to express themselves and share their ideas through the arts.
Since its inception, the Mambya Arts Foundation has left an indelible mark on Uganda’s cultural and environmental landscape. They have hosted seven editions of the Tuzinne Festival, a groundbreaking event that brings together professionally trained artists from East Africa and beyond. This festival not only fosters a network for artists but also addresses pressing human rights violations in the region.
In a place where human rights are routinely suppressed and denied, Ssenyonga recognized the transformative power of dance to attract and unite people, raise awareness, stimulate thought, and facilitate change. Through the Tuzinne International Festival of Dance & Human Rights, the two elements of art and human rights converge, sparking conversations and inspiring action.
As an environmental advocate, Ssenyonga’s movement, Act Africa Now, has contributed significantly to Kampala’s Greening Uganda campaign which was launched and established under Act Africa Now. Over 100,000 trees have been planted, reflecting his commitment to combat climate change and protect the environment.
Ssenyonga’s story embodies resilience, passion, and a deep-rooted desire to make a positive impact on the world. His journey from the heart of Kampala to an internationally recognized figure showcases the potential that lies within an individual with a vision, determination, and a heart that beats for art, human rights, and the environment.
Through the Mambya Arts Foundation and the Tuzinne Festival, Oscar Ssenyonga continues to inspire countless young people, elevating their voices through the arts, and creating a platform for meaningful change. As his influence grows, his work serves as a testament to the transformative power of art in shaping a better, more inclusive world for all.He was most recently recognized by the International Society for the Preforming Arts ISPA with a Nobel award for his incredible work in the arts https://www.ispa.org/page/fellow23_sseny