OFFICIAL RULES & REGULATIONS
SECTION I
About the Competition
Stage Dreams is organised by ASSPATU and conceptualised by YOCA / Dreams Don’t Wait, sanctioned by NCDC and operating under UCC and Ministry of Education guidelines. It is a national music challenge for Ugandan secondary school students — celebrating talent, rewarding excellence, and opening doors to career-changing national and international platforms.
SECTION II
Eligibility & Entry Requirements
WHO CAN ENTER | VIDEO AUDITION RULES |
1. Enrolled student of any registered Ugandan secondary school 2. Entries: Solo, Duet (2 members), Group/Choir (4–15 members) 3. One individual entry per student; may also appear in a Group/Choir 4. Entries per school per school are not limited | 1. Max 120 seconds — Max 120 seconds — exceeded = auto-disqualified 2. Full official school uniform required throughout 3. Live vocals only — no lip-syncing (backing tracks allowed) 4. Formats: MP4, MOV, AVI · Max 500 MB · Landscape orientation 5. Clear audio, well-lit, appropriate background 6. Any language — include English translation for non-English lyrics 7. Content must comply with UCC & Ministry of Education standards |
SECTION III
How to Submit & Deadlines
3 WAYS TO SUBMIT | KEY DATES |
1. Online (recommended): Online (recommended): www.stagedreams.org → Auditions 2. WhatsApp: WhatsApp: +256 779 210 693 (include name, school, category, teacher) 3. In person: In person: any ASSPATU regional coordination centre | 1. 1st June 2026 – Video Submissions open 2. 5th September 2026 – Submissions close (11:59 AM EAT) 3. 7th October 2026 – 9th October 2026 – Semi-finalist list published 4. 12 Dec 2026 – Grand Finale, Kampala |
⚠ Late submissions will not be reviewed. Submit well before the deadline — no exceptions for connectivity issues. |
SECTIONS IV–VI Competition Stages
STAGE 2 · REVIEW & SHORTLISTING | STAGE 3 · SEMI-FINALS |
1. ASSPATU professional panel checks rule compliance & quality 2. Judge panel reviews shortlisted videos: 8th – 12th September 2026 3. Semi-finalist list published 7th – 9th October | 1. Physical auditions: 22nd Sept – 3rd Oct 2026 2. Max 6-min performance (+ 90 seconds mins grace period) 3. Result: Result: 70% judges + 30% audience vote 4. Min. 7 supporters (representatives) per participant must attend (UGX 35,000/ticket) — representatives cast audience votes |
STAGE 4 · GRAND FINALE — 12 DECEMBER 2026, KAMPALA |
4. Max 6-minute performance 5. Mandatory orientation briefing 3 days before event 6. Compulsory technical rehearsal day before event 7. Song changes need ASSPATU written approval ≥14 days prior 8. Minimum 7 official fan representatives per participant must attend (UGX 35,000 per ticket) 9. Result: Result: 70% judges + 25% audience + 5% semi-final cumulative score |
SECTION VII Judging Criteria
CRITERION | POINTS | JUDGE PANEL NOTES |
Vocal Technique & Pitch Accuracy | 25 pts | Intonation, breath control, tone quality |
Stage Presence & Performance | 20 pts | Confidence, expression, audience connection |
Artistic Interpretation & Originality | 20 pts | Creativity, personal style, storytelling |
Rhythm, Timing & Musicality | 15 pts | Groove, tempo, musicianship |
Presentation & Appearance | 10 pts | Correct uniform, grooming, professionalism |
Adherence to Rules & Time Limit | 10 pts | Time kept, format followed, no violations |
JUDGE PANEL |
1. 3–5 judges per event, selected by ASSPATU for expertise in music, performance and the arts 2. At least 1 international or internationally-recognised judge at the Grand Finale 3. Judges must declare any conflict of interest before appointment 4. All scoring decisions are final and binding — procedural appeals only (see below) 5. In the event of a tie, the Head Judge’s decision is final |
SECTION VIII Prizes — Top 20 Finalists (Cash prizes value includes prize money & tangible prizes)
POSITION | STUDENT | SCHOOL | TEACHER | PARENT |
🥇 Winner | UGX 10,000,000 | UGX 5,000,000 | UGX 3,000,000 | UGX 2,000,000 |
🥈 1st Runner-Up | UGX 7,000,000 | UGX 4,000,000 | UGX 2,000,000 | UGX 1,500,000 |
🥉 2nd Runner-Up | UGX 5,000,000 | UGX 3,000,000 | UGX 1,500,000 | UGX 1,000,000 |
3rd Runner-Up | UGX 3,000,000 | UGX 2,000,000 | UGX 1,000,000 | UGX 800,000 |
4th Runner-Up | UGX 2,000,000 | UGX 1,000,000 | UGX 500,000 | UGX 500,000 |
5th – 20th Place | Music instruments, gadgets, electronics, desktops, furniture & hampers | |||
Cash prizes disbursed within 30 days via MTN/Airtel Mobile Money or bank transfer. Under-18 winners paid via parent/guardian. School physical prizes delivered within 60 days. Overall winner connected to national & international recording studios.
SECTIONS IX–X Conduct, Disqualification & Intellectual Property
GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION | COMPLAINTS & APPEALS |
1. Video exceeds 120 seconds 2. Not in official school uniform 3. Lip-syncing / pre-recorded vocals 4. Falsifying age, identity, or school enrolment 5. Undeclared plagiarism of original composition 6. Bribery, vote manipulation, or influencing officials 7. Missing mandatory orientation/rehearsal without approval 8. Alcohol, drugs, or conduct unbecoming a student | COMPLAINTS 1. Procedural complaints only — not artistic disagreements 2. Submit in writing to asspatuug@gmail.com 3. Within 48 hours Within 48 hours of the event in question 4. Reviewed by independent 3-member Committee 5. Decision issued within 7 days — final and binding
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 1. Entry grants ASSPATU and Stage Dreams royalty-free licence to record, broadcast & archive performances 2. Contestants are responsible for third-party music copyright compliance |
ORGANISER | CONTACT | LEGAL |
Alliance for Secondary Schools Performing Arts Teachers of Uganda (ASSPATU) Ggaba Road Millennium Building, Nsambya, Suite 17 P.O. Box 31006, Kampala, Uganda | +256 779 210 693 www.stagedreams.org | Governed by the laws of Uganda. By submitting an entry, contestants, teachers & schools accept these rules in full. Effective: 15 May 2026 · Season 2 v1.0 |
“Your Stage. Your Dream. Your Moment.”