Gulu, Uganda | Hilder Nursery and Primary School Vanguard has officially launched its upcoming musical theatre production Home for Christmas, a grand showcase of children’s creativity and Acholi cultural heritage, during a colourful media event held on 18 October 2025 at Jaca Gardens in Gulu City.
The launch attracted media houses, educationists, parents, performing arts stakeholders and local leaders who gathered to endorse the production, which is scheduled to run from 12 to 14 December at Gulu Senior Secondary School Main Hall. Entry will be free to the public.
Home for Christmas is a modern musical retelling of an Acholi Christmas story, creatively blending traditional narratives with a wide range of musical genres including R&B, reggae, hip hop, country, funk and Acholi folk music.
The production is directed by a team of established creatives: Adong Judith (lyrics and music), Masaba Roger (choreography), and Senkumbi Andrew (production direction).
Children dressed in festive colours performed during the launch, dancing around a decorated Christmas tree in a symbolic presentation of love, peace, and unity.
The Director of Schools in Gulu City hailed the production as a transformative educational model, saying it represents the future of learning through creative expression.
She noted that integrating music and drama into the curriculum promotes confidence, analytical thinking, and cultural preservation.
Ocwee Irene Treca, Director of Hilder Nursery and Primary School Vanguard, said the school is committed to shaping holistic learners who excel academically while embracing cultural identity.
She described the production as proof that children can be both top performers in class and rising stars in the arts.
Otoo Boniface, the children’s creative mentor, said the musical has been developed through a step-by-step training process designed to nurture confidence, discipline, and teamwork while instilling pride in Acholi heritage.
Nickson Ojok, Chairperson of the Parents Teachers Association and LC5 candidate for Pader District, described the production as “a community celebration led by children,” calling on parents and political leaders to support the initiative as a platform for nurturing future leaders and artists.
The organisers confirmed that entry to the performances will be free in order to promote cultural awareness among communities across Northern Uganda.
With preparations in full swing, Home for Christmas is set to become a landmark children-led production in Northern Uganda, inspiring schools to embrace similar cultural initiatives.
