Lydia Japaini Alowo

I was born in Eastern Uganda in a town called Tororo in 1985. We moved to different parts of the country with my family because of the nature of my Dad`s work and finally settled in Kampala city in 1993. I then joined Railway Primary School from 1993 to 1997. In 1998 to 2001 I was in St. Joseph`s Girls senior secondary school for my secondary level.

I then joined Katikamu secondary school for my High school from 2002 to 2003 where at the end of it I had to apply for a course at the university.

I was given the course of my choice which was Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Arts at Makerere University. I then joined the University in 2004. The course was for three years which I have just completed. My love for Art drove me to go for it at a high level. I felt that without Art my dream would not survive.

During my studies I did a voluntary work with an organization called Global Leadership Interlink for one year. I had a wonderful experience while doing this because I got to meet people from different countries and shared different ideas.

Music is also a part of me. My mother inspired me to go for it. I would watch her sing in the protestant church where we always prayed from. Her Dad was a Reverand and so she was not to miss any activity in the church. I desired to sing like her, little did I know that she had given me apart of her talent.

I started developing the talent and writing songs as my elder brother played for me the guitar. Recently I decided to team up with a friend to produce an album which am working on now. I love music and without it I feel empty.

At the moment am doing a voluntary work with two Children Non Governmental Organisations.

The „Jesus and me children`s ministries“ which deals with street children, orphans and the disadvantaged children. And „Orphans for Christ in Africa“ which deals with orphans only. I sing with the children and also spend time listening to them and encouraging them. It‘s such a wonderful experience spending time with kids.

I consider UGATRA as yet another opportunity for me to work with kids, using my art knowledge to inspire them. I love working with different people and getting to know different cultures and changing ideas because it never leaves me the same at the end of the day. I look forward to working as a team.