Arts for Peace, M-LISADA Uganda (MUSC 1007)

Join Professor Damascus Kafumbe this January for an extraordinary journey to Uganda, where musical arts become powerful tools for peace and social change. This immersive program partners with M-LISADA, a Kampala-based organization that empowers at-risk youth through transformative artistic experiences.

Located in the heart of Kampala’s Nsambya district, M-LISADA creates safe spaces where young Ugandans discover their voices and transform conflict through performance. You won’t just study peacebuilding—you’ll actively participate in it, working alongside local youth to develop sustainable arts-based solutions that address conflict at its roots.

What You’ll Learn

Through hands-on experience and academic study, you’ll:

• Analyze how arts drive conflict transformation and peacebuilding
• Design and lead community arts programs in conflict-affected areas
• Evaluate the real-world impact of arts-based peace interventions
• Create sustainable models for community transformation
• Develop essential cross-cultural engagement skills

Program Details

Key Dates

• January 5: Program begins at Middlebury
• January 12-13: Travel to Uganda
• January 13-27: In-country experience
• January 27-28: Return travel
• January 30: Program concludes

Your Experience

Weekdays feature intensive community engagement, combining theoretical study with practical workshops and group discussions. Weekends offer cultural immersion through excursions to the Uganda Museum, National Theatre, Source of the Nile, national parks, and local markets.

Assessment Methods

• Daily reflection journals
• Active community participation
• Program design project
• Final presentation and documentation

Funded Opportunity

The program covers all major expenses:

• All lectures and instruction
• Accommodation and meals
• International airfare and visa fees
• Insurance and local transportation
• Group excursions and cultural events

Personal expenses (approximately $100) include tips, phone/data, and personal supplies. You will also need to cover the cost of a yellow fever vaccination and malaria medication. 

Who Can Apply

Open to all Middlebury students who have completed:

• At least one course in African studies, anthropology, sociology, or performing arts
• OR demonstrated cross-cultural engagement experience

Pre-Departure Preparation

Before departure, you’ll complete:

• Cultural orientation sessions and introduction to M-LISADA’s work
• Required yellow fever vaccination

Essential Information

What to Bring

• Field notebook and recording device
• Appropriate clothing for musical performance activities
• Cultural orientation materials (provided)
• Course readings

Program Expectations

• Full attendance and active participation
• Respect for local customs and protocols
• Adherence to M-LISADA policies
• Completion of readings before sessions
• Integration of theory with field experience

Ready to Apply?

Take the first step toward this transformative experience. Applications reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline for applying is September 30, 2025; admission decisions will be sent out by October 7, 2025; and students will be asked to confirm their participation by October 15, 2025. This schedule allows time for finalizing the course roster, purchasing plane tickets, and booking accommodations.

Apply Here

Submit the following online by September 30, 2025:

• Personal statement explaining your interest and future goals
• One faculty recommendation letter
• College transcript(s)
• Passport copy (if available)

Contact Information

Professor Damascus Kafumbe
Email: dkafumbe@middlebury.edu
Phone: 802-443-5578