Wakiso Dance Kids Revive Boarding School Ghost Tale 'Kakalabanda' Through Dance

A piece of central Uganda’s rich boarding school folklore is being transformed into a vibrant dance theatre production. Batalo East, in collaboration with the Wakiso Dance Kids, is staging ‘Kakalabanda,’ a 60-minute performance that draws inspiration from the age-old tale of a mysterious creature believed to have haunted school dormitories at night.

The production is set to premiere at the Uganda National Theatre in Kampala on September 9, 2026, with subsequent shows at the Kavumba Recreation Centre in Wakiso on September 12. Both performances are scheduled from 7:30 PM to 8:40 PM, with tickets priced at Shs30,000.

The story taps into a narrative familiar to many who experienced boarding school life in the region. Kakalabanda, also known as nkalabanda in some folklore, is depicted as a mythical, ghostly figure that roamed dormitories, allegedly to instill fear, steal belongings, or even trim students’ hair and nails.

This phenomenon was reportedly widespread in central Ugandan schools during the 1990s, with students recounting nighttime encounters and sightings of the enigmatic figure.

The Wakiso Dance Kids will bring ‘Kakalabanda’ to the stage, merging traditional Ugandan dance with contemporary and urban movement styles, theatre, and music. This fusion aligns with Batalo East’s artistic philosophy of “Tradition Meets Urban,” aiming to keep ancestral stories and traditional performance arts relevant for younger audiences.

Albert Mubiru, the production’s director, emphasized the importance of passing on cultural heritage. “We want to pass this kind of art to the next generation for purposes of sustainability, and this explains why we chose Wakiso Dance Kids,” he stated.

Davis Ssebulime, head of artistic at Batalo East, added that the Kakalabanda tales held deeper meanings beyond the fear they invoked, influencing discipline and behavior among youth. He views the show as a bridge connecting generations through art, music, dance, and storytelling.

Founded in 2013 by young artists, Batalo East is known for its multidisciplinary approach, incorporating traditional and urban dance, contemporary styles, and theatre. The company hopes to tour ‘Kakalabanda’ nationally and internationally, performing in theatres, festivals, schools, and communities, while also mentoring young performers.

Source: Nile Post