World-renowned motivational speaker and bestselling author Nick Vujicic is set to headline the “Beyond the Canvas” initiative organised by Reach A Hand Uganda on May 18, 2026 in Kampala.
The initiative is a multi-faceted Africa-wide platform aimed at promoting inclusive talent development, advocacy and economic empowerment for young people aged 30 and below, including persons with disabilities.
Born with tetra-amelia syndrome, Vujicic has become one of the world’s most influential voices on overcoming adversity and redefining personal limitations. His message, centred on purpose, mindset and possibility, aligns with the vision of Beyond the Canvas, which seeks to challenge societal perceptions of disability and expand opportunities for inclusion.
Supported by CBM, Next Media Foundation, Afromobile, and National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda among other partners, the 2026 edition will run as a multi-stage talent competition and capacity-building programme.
Participants will showcase creative expression through music, dance, poetry, visual arts, theatre, fashion and other performance disciplines, with selected finalists receiving mentorship, exposure and professional development opportunities.
The programme will begin on May 18, 2026 and culminate in a grand finale on December 2, 2026. Activities will include digital campaign launches and submissions, virtual regional selections across Uganda and other African countries, interviews and auditions, a structured bootcamp and a finale event showcasing top talent.
At the event, Vujicic is expected to engage participants, stakeholders and young creatives in conversations around resilience, leadership and unlocking human potential beyond physical limitations.
“Nick’s resilience continues to inspire communities to turn adversity into creative power, and we are happy that Nick is here to share his story and inspire young people to use creativity as a tool for transformation and self-expression,” said Reach A Hand chief executive officer Humphrey Nabimanya.
Organisers expect about 200 submissions from across African countries, with 15 finalists set to be selected for the bootcamp and three overall winners crowned at the grand finale.
The programme is also expected to reach more than one million people through digital and media campaigns.
