Ndere Institute of African Studies

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The Batwa June 2024

The Batwa people are considered the first inhabitants of Africa, having lived in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the Great Lakes Region of East Africa for over 60,000 years. In early 1990s, the Batwa were evicted from their forest home in a government effort to protect the mountain gorillas and other forest wildlife. Although the Batwa had been living in harmony with all forest creatures throughout their existence and were not a threat to the gorillas, with this action they became conservation refugees. With no government support, no gifts of land to establish new homes, no education on how to shift from a hunter-gatherer to and agricultural based subsistence, the Batwa began to die. Their population has significantly diminished over the last 30 years with many Batwa surviving only by begging for food and housing. Should a member of the Batwa community enter the forest in an attempt to forage food for their starving communities, they risk being shot on site by park officials.
Batwa Villagers.
Small Hut on the Hill.
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The Banyankole June 2024

The Banyankole are an ethnic group located in the Southwestern region of Uganda. Originally part of the Ankole Kingdom, the Banyankole migrated to and settled in Uganda between the 10th and 15th Centuries. The Banyankole people primarily speak Runyankole but may also be fluent in other Bantu languages such as Rukiga, Runyoro, and Rutooro. The village of Kyabanyoro is located in the northern part of the Ntungamo district in southwestern Uganda, approximately 55km from the city of Mbarrara. Kyabanyoro is a farming community specializing in cattle production, banana plantations, millet, and coffee. The landscape is covered in green rolling hills that are often covered by mist during morning hours.
Rehearsing with the Troupe.
Traditional Hut.
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Behind the Project

The primary motive behind the project is to urgently preserve Uganda's (and Africa’s) indigenous civilizations, which are rapidly disappearing due to modern schooling that distances children from traditional knowledge. With the passing of knowledgeable elders, who hold centuries of oral wisdom, the need to research, document, and archive these civilizations has become critical. The project seeks to not only safeguard this heritage for future generations but also to creatively adapt it for contemporary use, turning traditional knowledge into valuable skills and professions. By doing so, the project aims to contribute to socio-economic empowerment, foster international cultural exchange, and offer alternative wisdom to address global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and social injustices.
Dr. Stephen Rwangyezi Executive Director
Dr. Rwangyezi, a specialist in traditional music, dance, and drama, has been the Artistic and Executive Director of the Ndere Troupe for over 40 years, educating young Ugandan artists. He was awarded the Most Influential Businessman in Africa in 2015 and has appeared in films like The Last King of Scotland and War Dance. As Ndere's Executive Director, he leads all research and creative activities.
Hellen Rwangyezi Associate Director
With over 10 years of experience in arts management and communications in Uganda and Rwanda, Hellen has served as Marketing Director for the Ndere Cultural Center, organizing arts festivals and managing the Ndere Troupe. She is currently the Lead Producer for Mashirika Performing Arts and Head of Production for Ubumuntu Arts. As Associate Director at the Ndere Institute, she oversees project management, budgeting, communication strategies, and provides artistic guidance.
Dr. Melanie Dreyer-Lude Team Member
A performing artist focused on international and intercultural research, Dr. Dreyer-Lude has worked in Germany, Turkey, Argentina, and Uganda. She started collaborating with the Ndere Centre in 2010 and directed two productions for the Ndere Troupe. At Ndere, she will lead the capture, analysis, and adaptation of traditional storytelling.