A group of young South Sudanese gospel musicians living in different refugee camps in northern Uganda are using their songs to restore hope to the thousands of South Sudanese refugees there.
Khamis Kennedy, a member of the group told Radio Tamazuj that they organize mobile concerts from one camp to another and the urban towns in the West Nile region preaching messages of peace and unity through their songs.
“I totally believe that peace is something that every individual can contribute to. We have been singing about the need for peace and forgiveness among ourselves. My message is that peace is the only thing that South Sudanese want and therefore we need to work for it,” Kennedy said.
Lilian Tabu another musician said many South Sudanese in the camps have lost hope. She called on the country’s leaders to stop the war and embrace peace.
“We decided to help our people to restore back their hope. Most of us have lost hope, some of us lost their dear ones and they feel like revenging and we want them to forgive, reconcile and have peace through our songs .My message to our leaders is to restore peace so that we can go back home,” she said.
Singer Mbaraza Emmanuel too is another South Sudanese gospel singer. He says he is using his voice singing songs of peace, reconciliation and unity.
“Music is very important; it’s a powerful tool that heals our souls and brings about peace into our minds. The vision is that let South Sudanese live together through unity. Let’s love ourselves, lets stand beyond our differences so that we take our nation forward,” Emmanuel urged.
Uganda is home to about a million South Sudanese refugees who fled their homes after conflict erupted in 2016.