Since its founding, Karibu activities have served as fun family events that supported sharing culture and building relationships, positive self-identity, and self-esteem.  Initially the focus was on traditional and contemporary African drumming, dance-singing, dialogue, and Kiswahili and Luganda language schools. In 2012, it transitioned into a formal performing arts and public education program and incorporated a fourth component—theatre for social change as a strategy to address to heal and address social inequality and racism.

As part of UCAS’s 30^th anniversary, through a partnership with a professor at the Faculty of Media, Art and Performance, University of Regina, in 2020 we produced a reader’s theatre production titled “Lil’ Shadd: A Story of Ujima.” It featured Dr. Alfred Schmidt Shadd, an 1890s African-descent pioneer in Saskatchewan whose lifestyle exemplified friendship and cooperative spirit among First Nations people and European settlers. This production was staged as part of Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor’s celebration of African Canadian/Black History month in 2021 and 2022.

Karibu program has been invaluable in establishing UCAS as a strong collaborative community organization representing the diverse cultural groups of Uganda and neighboring countries. Its cultural activities contribute to the development of strong communities and enable children, youth, and adults to develop positive self-identities and healthy relationships in their families and communities. Karibu program directly and indirectly links cultural activities and mental health supporting healthy self-esteem and self-identity, to build healthy families, strengthen community relationships and challenge racism. Educational cultural events and performances are held at public events and in seniors’ homes in Regina and Saskatoon, and during festivals throughout the province as part of Canada’s multiculturalism.

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the awareness of systemic racism and isolation. In response, Karibu program has intensified its focus on supporting participants to develop a positive sense of self- and positive social identity, healthy relationships, and sense of belonging to strengthen resilience and coping skill and to counter systemic racism and inter-related barriers.