Two of Uganda’s most celebrated music pioneers have received life-changing gifts after decades of shaping the country’s musical heritage.
Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo has announced that the Commission is building a new home for legendary singer Maama Hadijah Namale while also handing Kadongo Kamu icon Ssaalongo Dan Mugula a brand-new car.
Thembo shared the announcement after the July 31 Atakulaba Akunyooma concert, a cultural celebration that honoured the legends of Kadongo Kamu and recognised the artists who laid the foundation for one of Uganda’s oldest music genres.
According to Thembo, the recognition goes beyond rewarding two legendary musicians.
He argued that Uganda cannot build a thriving creative economy without investing in the pioneers whose work continues to inspire new generations of artists.
In true appreciation of their indelible mark on Ugandan culture, we were honoured to provide support to two of our celebrated legends. Through collaborative efforts with our partners, we are constructing a new home for Maama Hadijah Namale, which will be completed within three months. We also officially handed over a new car to Mzee Dan Mugula to honour his immense legacy.
Namale earned her place in Uganda’s music history during the 1960s and 1970s, breaking barriers as one of the country’s first prominent female musicians and inspiring generations of women to pursue careers in music.
Dan Mugula also stands among the architects of Kadongo Kamu, with a career spanning more than six decades as one of the genre’s most influential storytellers and cultural custodians.
Thembo described music as far more than entertainment, saying it drives culture, powers the digital economy and deserves greater investment if Uganda hopes to preserve the creative legacy built by pioneers such as Namale and Mugula.
He also thanked the thousands of Ugandans who bought tickets to the Atakulaba Akunyooma concert, saying their support will help ensure the country’s musical legends continue to receive the recognition they deserve.
Music is far more than entertainment; it is content, culture, and a critical economic driver for our nation.
Speaking at the Ataakulaba Akunyooma concert last Friday, I emphasised why @UCC_Official and the Government actively support our legendary Kadongo Kamu icons. As we push… pic.twitter.com/5Yg45W9iBA
— Hon. Nyombi Thembo (@UCC_ED) August 3, 2026