“Back to the Source: The Nile” Premiere in Katanga Slum Inspires Youth to Dream Beyond Their Circumstances

Hundreds of residents from Katanga slum in Kampala gathered for a special community screening of the internationally acclaimed Ugandan documentary Back to the Source: The Nile

The documentary, which follows a journey connected to Uganda’s iconic River Nile, has already attracted international attention, with over 73 million viewers reportedly watching the production in China.

The event that blended football, music, dance, talent showcases, and powerful conversations about hope, creativity, and reclaiming Uganda’s story

Organized by filmmaker and director Derrick Ssenyonyi together with his team at Bold Narrative, the free community screening was made to give a chance to the less privileged to as well watch this movie

Before the giant screen lit up the night sky, the event kicked off with a vibrant football match, music performances, dance showcases and talent exhibitions from young people within the slum community. For many of the performers, it was their first opportunity to showcase their abilities before cameras and a large audience

According to Derrick, the activities were intentionally designed to expose and uplift hidden talent within Kampala’s ghettos

“We had young talents singing and dancing, soccer and different performances because I wanted these cameras and media to capture the raw talent of this slum,” Derrick said

He noted that through initiatives like “Operation Sleep Well,” where he and his team mobilized over 20 mattresses for vulnerable residents, they hope to continue building meaningful community support projects beyond film

“We want to do much more,” he added.

Ssenyonyi delivered a deeply personal message that resonated strongly with the ghetto youth that came to watch the movie screening

“From a young boy who grew up in Nakasongola with less of knowing if I’d ever make a mark… this film was shot by us Ugandans. The directing, translation, distribution — everything was done by us, that means you can do it too.” he said

The director spoke candidly about the challenges many young people growing up in ghettos face, noting that destructive influences often pull them away from their dreams

“Many kids coming from the ghettos face a lot of challenges because the pulling factors are usually too much, but your dream is valid.”

Derrick recounted how he grew up deep in the villages of Nakasongola, never imagining that one day he would direct a film now viewed by millions around the world

“You are lucky even if you are in a slum because at least you are in an urban setting. I grew up deep in the village, but together with my team we made a film that has made its way to the international scene,” he said

“You can start with the little items at your disposal like your phones. There are many stories in the ghettos and far beyond waiting to be told.”

Derrick revealed that the film had previously been screened in embassies, cinemas, boardrooms, and before diplomats and investors, but emphasized that bringing it to Katanga carried a much deeper meaning

“Tonight we are showing it here, in this community, for free, because you deserve to see what is possible,” he said.

“Because the children of Katanga deserve to look at that screen and say: a Ugandan made that. And if a Ugandan made that, I can make something too.”

A speech delivered on behalf of Uganda’s Consul General in Guangzhou, China, Judyth Nsababera, further amplified the evening’s emotional significance

Read by Judith on behalf of the ambassador, the message encouraged young people never to underestimate the power of their own stories.

“The film you are about to watch was created by Ugandans. It is about Uganda. It is our story,” the speech read.

Ambassador Judyth Nsababera, the central figure in the documentary, had spent most of her life terrified of water.

“But she decided to face that fear publicly on the River Nile, with cameras rolling, for the entire world to see,” the speech continued

“So if anyone here tonight thinks your story is too small or that where you come from limits where you can go, let this evening remind you that even stories that begin in ghetto communities like Katanga can reach the world.”

“Because this film has already been screened before diplomats, ministers, investors, business leaders, and people in very expensive suits. But tonight, it is here.”

“I want you to experience it too. To see yourselves in it. To feel proud of your country. To dream bigger for yourselves and your children.”