Meet Our Founder: Kenneth Kavulu
Kenneth Kavulu is a seasoned journalist, award-winning storyteller, and the visionary founder of Slum Life Survival (SLS).
A Voice for Slum Communities
Through journalism and storytelling, Kenneth brought the realities and challenges of slum communities to a wider audience.
Kenneth Kavulu
A Journey of Purpose
Driven by lived experience, faith, and a strong commitment to service, Kenneth Kavulu is a seasoned journalist, award-winning storyteller, and visionary founder of Slum Life Survival (SLS). His journey from growing up in Kampala’s slum communities to becoming a leader in social development has shaped his deep commitment to empowering vulnerable communities. Through his work in journalism and community development, Kenneth has consistently used his voice and experience to highlight the challenges faced by slum dwellers and inspire meaningful action.
Kenneth Kavulu
Rooted in the Ghetto
Kenneth Kavulu did not learn about urban poverty from textbooks; he lived it. Growing up in the heart of Kampala’s poorest slum communities, he faced the harsh realities of ghetto life daily.
He experienced the lack of clean water, witnessed neighbors die from preventable illnesses, and saw brilliant young people lose their futures to crime and joblessness simply because they had no guidance, education, or support.
As a young boy navigating these obstacles, Kenneth made a solemn promise:
“If God ever helps me leave the ghetto, I will spend the rest of my life coming back to pull others out.”
From the Ghetto to Leadership
Kenneth Kavulu’s journey from growing up in Kampala’s slum communities to becoming a leader dedicated to transforming the lives of others.
The impact Journalism
In 2018, prestigious his storytelling won international STOSCHEN WASH Award in the Netherlands and an African Award in Senegal.
Kenneth Kavulu
Overcoming the Odds
Education was a luxury Kenneth’s family could not afford. His path seemed blocked until a life-changing encounter took place. A compassionate stranger recognized his potential and stepped in to sponsor his education.
Thanks to this singular act of generosity, Kenneth Kavulu went on to graduate with a degree in Journalism.
Armed with his degree, Kenneth joined the Buganda Kingdom’s media institution, Buganda Broadcast Services (BBS Terefayina). He recognized that his new platform was a weapon to fight for his people.
He created, produced, and hosted the groundbreaking television show ‘Embeera Y’omugotteko’ (Life of the Slums), which cast a global spotlight on the plight of slum dwellers.
From Television Production to the Streets
While global accolades brought recognition, Kenneth knew that broadcasting the problems was only the first step. The true calling was to build the solutions. Driven by the belief that service is a unique gift given by God to transform lives, he left the comfort of the spotlight to return to the streets.
In 2018, Kenneth Kavulu founded Slum Life Survival (SLS). Under his leadership, the organization has grown from a humble grassroots initiative into a powerful force for social change. Today, Kenneth actively guides SLS’s efforts across 360 slum communities in the Kampala and Wakiso districts, empowering over 5000 youths and hundreds of women through vocational skills, health, education, and clean water initiatives among others
Kenneth continues to serve as the Executive Director of SLS, dedicating his voice, network, and life to breaking the cycle of poverty and restoring dignity to the slums.
A Life Dedicated to Service
As Executive Director, Kenneth dedicates his life to breaking the cycle of poverty and restoring dignity in slum communities
Kenneth Kavulu
A Note from Kenneth
Get In Touch
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Whether you are looking to partner on a WASH project, sponsor a youth's vocational training, or book Kenneth Kavulu for an international speaking engagement on urban development, we want to hear from you.
