11th Edition2013

Batalo East Dance Fest 2025

Dec 13, 2025·Batalo East Creative Center, Kachonga, Butaleja District

The Festival

The Batalo East Dance Festival 2025 marked the 11th Edition of one of Uganda’s most enduring and impactful cultural platforms. Since its inception in 2013 at the National Theatre, the festival has steadily evolved into a dynamic intergenerational space that bridges traditional heritage and contemporary expression, engaging over 1,000 young performers, cultural practitioners, educators, and international collaborators over the years.

The 2025 edition reaffirmed Batalo East’s mission to preserve indigenous knowledge while nurturing innovation among young artists. Through dance training, theatre productions, documentation and archiving, and deep community collaboration, the festival continues to strengthen cultural identity, creativity, and social cohesion particularly within rural and underrepresented communities.

The Highlight

Kuhamahama Arts Movement Book Launch

The official launch of the Kuhamahama Art Movement Book, a landmark publication documenting the cultural heritage of Butaleja. The book captures:

Old to New— A Changing African Society And Culture.
Bunyole Musicians, music,and dances
Local instruments
Clan heads & spiritual leaders
Cultural myths, stories, and historical practices
Batalo East’s fusion approach in preserving and reimagining culture
History of Batalo East and Kuhamahama Arts Movement
Batalo East Creativet Center and more.

Writer: Roland Byagaba
Editor: Mable Amuron

Performances

[ Common Ground ]

Act

Common Ground

Performed by: Afrique Arts Troupe From (Kampala)

“Common Ground” delves into the heart of a Ugandan community where tradition and modernity collides. Through movement, we witness the journey of two characters: one who wholeheartedly embraces the allure of the modern world, and the other who clings steadfastly to the grounding principles of their culture. Can a bridge be built between these two worlds, allowing for a harmonious blend of the past and the present?

Choreography: Agaba Bob Mathias and Nalumu Justin
Music: Mugenyi Keith Divine

[ Same love ]

Act

Same love

Same Love; How do people learn to love? How political is love? In his acclaimed production “Same Love,” renowned Swiss choreographer Muhammed Kaltuk makes an emotional statement for acceptance, tolerance, and empowerment. Through a multifaceted exploration of dance that examines societal and personal upbringing regarding love, stereotypes are broken down and gender roles are challenged.

It’s a performance that questions prejudices surrounding love and relationships, and explores the diversity of love and relationships. Gender roles will be examined, and the various forms of love will be celebrated. An emotional journey awaits the audiences, as well as the political dimension of love and its empowering messages.

In this piece, Muhammed Kaltuk explores what “love” meant to his Turkish ancestors and how young people from diverse cultural backgrounds relate to this concept.

Hosted by Batalo East Dance Festival

Choreography: Muhammed Kaltuk

Featured Troupes

Bubbinge Bulala

Mukutu Dance

Led by Higenyi Paul

Naweede Cultural Troupe

Nasaale

Led by Naweede Bakali

Suna Junior Troupe

Mabega Dance

Led by Suna E.

Fumbo Dance Troupe

Fumbo Dance

Led by Kadiri Kungu

Born To Be Bad

Urban Dance Showcase

With support from

Stichting DOEN

← All festivals