Transform Lives Through Music as a Volunteer in Uganda

My overall takeaway is gratitude to be able to experence a month unlike any other in the course of my life. The many opportunites I had to interact with Ugandans of all ages and life conditions were phenomenal. It was life-changing, immersive, and emotional. Disan Kato and The Living Music Foundation are offering an amazing and eye-opening program. I wish this kind of program could be replicated around the globe. I trained keyboard players in several districts outside Mbarara. I worked with Secondary School students at Kashaka. I rehearsed and performed as a keyboard player with Disan Kato’s The Vessels Band. We played at weddings, a bride givaway, a funeral mass, and golden jubilee celebrations. Additionally, I was invited to attend a ceremony and celebration in the hilltop village of Mutara in Western Uganda where I was the first ever mzungu (white person) to be welcomed in the village home and at the village church. Unforgettable. We also found time to spend a day with Disan and his family enjoying a game drive and boat cruise at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Plus, we spent a day exploring the regions of Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi. The breadth of Disan’s contact circle is staggering. Through his music, he is known wherever he goes. He maintains relationships with people in a truly impressive fashion. I was overjoyed by the positive and warm reception I received every single day. Finally, I am privileged to have had this experience. I am honored to have been welcomed by Disan Kato, by Disan’s family, by his band, and by the great variety of people that he introduced me to. With admiration, love and respect, Joshua Stone

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I went alone to volunteer in Uganda without knowing what to expect. From the very beginning the LMF staff and especially Disan and Barbara did everything to make me feel safe and comfortable. They became my family. During the month I spent in Mbarara and its surroundings, I mainly trained two choirs. The volunteering was very rewarding, although, due to different reasons (which were not always related to the LMF), I felt that my schedule wasn't intensive as I would have wished. I learned so much about Uganda, Africa and myself, and I am very happy that I had the courage to go for this journey. Please contact me for any further questions regarding the program.

From the moment I met the staff of Living Music Foundation I could feel their passion and love for music in the way they spoke about their programs. It is clear they have a genuine desire to share their musical talents to help others grow and learn, as well as to impact communities on a larger level. The director Disan always has an authentic smile on his face that is contagious to anyone he meets. He is super responsive to questions and eager to share more about his background, Uganda, and the communities they work in. The LMF network of supporters in Uganda was super friendly and you can see that they really do believe in the LMF mission.