Shakira Plans Uganda Visit After Sponsoring Triplets Ghetto Kids’ World Cup Performance

Pop superstar Shakira has pledged to visit Uganda soon after sponsoring the famous Triplets Ghetto Kids to perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, according to the group’s dance coach.

Speaking to journalists on Monday morning following their return at the Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, Dauda Kavuma, the founder and dance coach of the group, said the Colombian singer-songwriter expressed her desire to strengthen her collaboration with the Ugandan dancers.

Kavuma revealed that after their performance at the World Cup, Shakira and her management team arranged an additional show for the group at the Barclays Center in New York.

“Shakira and her team did not end with the performance during the World Cup finals. They organized another show for us at the Barclays Center, where she told us she is coming to Uganda because she wants to continue working with us,” Kavuma said.

Despite the eventual success, Kavuma said the group’s journey to the United States faced major logistical challenges. The trip came at a time when Uganda was experiencing a declared Ebola outbreak, during which the US Embassy had temporarily suspended visa processing.

Determined to ensure the children reached the global stage, Shakira’s team initially attempted to secure entry visas for the group through Kenya, Mexico and Colombia, but the efforts were unsuccessful.

The troupe was eventually routed through Ecuador, where the dancers underwent a mandatory 21-day quarantine before the embassy processed their US visas.

Kavuma thanked local sponsors who supported the group during their time in isolation abroad, including businessman Amos Nzeyi, telecom company MTN Uganda, Everyday Biscuits and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).

Speaking at the same event, Joseph Byaruhanga, Brand Manager at Pepsi Cola (Crown Beverages Ltd), said Nzeyi’s support for the Ghetto Kids dates back to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he watched them perform.

“When he returned home, he tasked us to find these kids. He gave them Shs100 million to construct a permanent home in Nakawuka, Wakiso District, and he is currently building them a rehabilitation home,” Byaruhanga said.

Pearl Kitimbo, a Communications Officer at Crown Beverages Ltd, also revealed that world football governing body FIFA presented the Ghetto Kids with a special souvenir — the official match ball used during the 2026 World Cup finals.

According to Kitimbo, the troupe plans to use the historic match ball during a series of friendly exhibition matches across the country.