Speaker Oboth-Oboth Hails Ghetto Kids for Historic World Cup Final Performance

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth has officially hailed the Ghetto Kids as “Ugandan Ambassadors” for flying the country’s flag high on the biggest stage in global sports.

Speaking during a parliamentary session on Thursday, Oboth praised the dance group’s historic performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, emphasizing that their immense talent successfully showcased Uganda’s potential to the entire world.

The Speaker noted that their journey from the slums of Katwe to sharing a stage with Colombian pop icon Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats giant Burna Boy is a massive source of national pride.

Oboth told the House that the Ghetto Kids stood their ground and made Uganda proud, explaining that when the children shine, the entire nation shines with them. He added that even though the Uganda Cranes did not participate in the World Cup, the country was beautifully represented on that global stage through the dancers.

The Ghetto Kids delivered the performance of a lifetime during the halftime break of the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This marked a monumental achievement, as it was the first-ever halftime entertainment show instituted at a FIFA World Cup final, and the group became the first East African act to grace it.

The prestigious invitation came directly from Shakira, who was reportedly impressed by the group’s viral dance videos inspired by the tournament. The Katwe stars ultimately joined Shakira and Burna Boy to perform “Dai Dai,” the official tournament anthem, in front of a live stadium crowd and a global television audience of billions.

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Managed by Dauda Kavuma under the Inspire Ghetto Kids Foundation, the group has consistently used dance as a vehicle to uplift orphaned and vulnerable children.

Their international resume is already decorated with major milestones, including their 2017 breakthrough in French Montana’s “Unforgettable” music video, a Golden Buzzer appearance on Britain’s Got Talent in 2023, and performances during the 2022 FIFA World Cup activities in Qatar.

The remarkable achievement drew bipartisan applause across the political divide, culminating in a standing ovation from all Members of Parliament present.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Joel Ssenyonyi, also took the floor to applaud the dancers. Ssenyonyi used the group’s inspirational story to encourage young Ugandans facing adversity. He stated that the Ghetto Kids are living proof that one’s starting point does not determine their finish line, praising them for turning pain into purpose and struggle into global stardom.

Both leaders concluded by demanding greater institutional support for the creative arts. Speaker Oboth tasked the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Ministry of Education and Sports to collaborate with the group to mentor more children. Meanwhile, Ssenyonyi urged the private sector to heavily invest in arts and culture, identifying it as a powerful avenue for diplomacy, youth employment, and economic growth.