Joyce Kiza’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope, always a chance for redemption, forgiveness, and renewal. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, her life was shaped by the turmoil of war and displacement.
As a child, Joyce witnessed the destruction of her homeland — the violence, the fear, and the ultimate necessity to flee. By the time she reached her adulthood, Joyce found herself in Uganda’s Nakivale refugee settlement in 2016, searching for a new identity in a foreign land.
But within this hardship, Joyce found purpose. Her story is not just one of survival, but of creating something that would unite people, restore a sense of identity, and preserve what many had feared was lost — culture. “The hardest thing to carry as a refugee is the loss of yourself, your roots, your sense of belonging,” Joyce explains. “I wanted to build something that would help people reconnect, heal, and remember where they came from.”
It was through an unexpected turn of events that Joyce’s entrepreneurial spirit truly began to flourish. After arriving at Nakivale, Joyce found the opportunity to join Opportunigee, a mentorship program for aspiring entrepreneurs. “In 2017, I got the chance to be mentored in entrepreneurship, and it opened my eyes to the possibility of using business not just to make money but to make an impact,” Joyce reflects. This mentorship would be the spark that ignited her entrepreneurial path, but it wasn’t just about business—it was about creating something deeply meaningful in a place where survival was often the priority.
A Passion for Culture and Community
Joyce’s deep appreciation for cultural heritage had been a part of her identity for as long as she could remember, even before she became a refugee. Growing up, she had always been drawn to the songs, dances, and stories that her community held dear. This passion continued to burn even as she struggled with displacement. “Even as a child, I knew how powerful culture was,” she says. “It tells the story of who you are, where you come from, and who you aspire to be. When I came to Nakivale, I realized that so many refugees had lost this connection.”
Thus, in 2018, Joyce founded The Roots, a cultural initiative designed to unite people from different backgrounds through the celebration of their heritage. The idea was rooted in a fundamental truth: refugees often find themselves adrift, disconnected from their past, struggling to re-establish a sense of identity. Joyce knew that providing a platform to honor and share their stories was the way forward. “I wanted to create a space where we could celebrate our differences, honor our heritage, and remind ourselves of the power of cultural exchange,” Joyce says with a firm conviction. “In a world that’s so divided, culture is what binds us.”
From the outset, The Roots aimed to accomplish several things. First, it would serve as a space for refugees to re-engage with their cultural traditions. Second, it would allow them to build a stronger sense of community and belonging. Finally, it would provide an opportunity for refugees to showcase their unique talents. Joyce quickly realized that she wasn’t just creating events; she was building bridges.
At The Roots, Joyce and her team are dedicated to fostering connection, healing, and empowerment within the Nakivale community. “We create spaces for connection, healing, and empowerment,” Joyce explains, highlighting the organization’s diverse initiatives. These include large cultural events that bring together over 2,000 people annually, as well as more intimate gatherings, such as the weekly community circle, which is capped at 30 individuals from new arrival communities. Through these efforts, The Roots is making a tangible impact, with Joyce noting that the organization’s influence “reaches across communities in the settlement.” “It’s not just a festival — it’s a platform for healing,” she adds.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
Operating in Nakivale with limited resources was an enormous challenge. But Joyce was no stranger to adversity. She began organizing large-scale cultural events, often attended by over 2,000 refugees. These events included music, dance, food, and storytelling — all meant to honor the diverse cultures within the settlement. “Our events aren’t just entertainment. They’re acts of reclamation,” she says passionately. “They help people reconnect with something they thought they had lost. They help them find strength in who they are.”
Despite the obstacles — the constant struggle for funding, the skepticism of some who doubted the long-term impact of cultural initiatives — Joyce pushed forward. “At first, people didn’t understand the importance of what we were doing. They thought that culture and heritage were secondary to survival. But the more we engaged, the more they understood that culture isn’t just about history; it’s about the future. It’s about building something that gives people hope.”
The challenges Joyce faced were not just financial. Running such an ambitious project in a refugee settlement meant limited access to proper infrastructure, skilled labor, and materials. But Joyce’s creativity and resilience helped her push through. “We had to use whatever resources we could. Sometimes that meant thinking outside the box — using local materials, collaborating with artists and performers, or even relying on word-of-mouth to draw in an audience,” she explains.
Through it all, Joyce remained focused on her mission. Her success stories are numerous, but perhaps the most notable achievement has been the cultural festivals that have become a fixture in Nakivale. “When I see people from different backgrounds dancing together, sharing stories, and celebrating their roots, I know that we’re doing something important,” she says, reflecting on the impact of these events. The festivals have not only provided a sense of belonging but have also opened doors for refugees to showcase their talents on a global stage. “These festivals have given artists a platform. We’ve seen dancers, musicians, poets, and storytellers find their voice,” Joyce adds.
For Joyce, empowering others is also a vital part of her mission. “I’m also passionate about mentoring young entrepreneurs,” she says, highlighting her work with the Promise Hub, where she has guided numerous individuals in launching and growing their businesses. But Joyce’s commitment to empowerment extends far beyond mentoring. As she notes, “I’m an advocate for women and youth empowerment, using my platform to inspire others to pursue their dreams despite challenges.” Currently, she is expanding her skills as part of the Promise Hub Collective, where she is learning web development to create online platforms that “amplify refugee voices.”
Looking to the Future
As Joyce reflects on her journey and the future of The Roots, she’s filled with anticipation for what’s to come. “The potential to expand and reach more people is limitless,” she says with a sparkle of excitement in her eyes. “What we’ve created in Nakivale is just the beginning. The vision is to continue growing and making our cultural events accessible to more refugees, to more communities, to more people.” Joyce’s focus is on deepening the impact of The Roots by finding sustainable ways to ensure its growth.
She is particularly enthusiastic about the role of technology in transforming the way refugees connect with the world. “The digital world has the power to bring our culture, our stories, and our talents into the global spotlight,” she says. By developing an online platform, Joyce hopes to showcase the richness of refugee heritage and create opportunities for economic empowerment. “By sharing our cultural performances and stories online, we can not only preserve our traditions but also help our artists gain the recognition and financial support they deserve.”
Joyce is also exploring how to generate income through innovative methods, such as selling digital content like videos of cultural performances. “This gives our community a chance to thrive, not just through cultural expression, but through economic independence,” she explains. With her entrepreneurial spirit, Joyce is constantly thinking about ways to push the boundaries of what The Roots can achieve, both locally and globally.
Her long-term vision is clear: to create a platform that empowers refugees, preserves cultural heritage, and connects communities across the world. “As long as we stay true to our mission of unity and cultural preservation, there’s no limit to the change we can create,” Joyce says with unwavering belief. For her, the work is never just about the present; it’s about building a future where every refugee can stand proudly in their cultural identity, knowing they have a space to be heard and valued.
