Ugandan music star Sheebah Karungi has officially received the Outstanding Artistry and Cultural Influence Award, months after the honour was conferred on her at the 9th ODA Awards in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The award was formally presented on August 5, 2026, by Ambassador Charles Ssentongo, Uganda’s Chief of Protocol, on behalf of the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, during a ceremony recognising Sheebah’s contribution to promoting Uganda’s cultural identity across Africa and beyond.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the award acknowledges the singer’s role in advancing Uganda’s image through her music, influence and achievements, highlighting culture as an increasingly important pillar of the country’s foreign policy.
In a statement shared on X, the Ministry said the recognition reflects Sheebah’s contribution to projecting Uganda’s cultural identity while supporting people-to-people relations, economic diplomacy, tourism, trade and investment across the continent.
The award had initially been accepted on her behalf by Uganda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rebecca Amuge Otengo, during the 9th ODA Awards ceremony held earlier this year in Addis Ababa.
The Embassy of Uganda in Ethiopia welcomed the official presentation, describing it as a reflection of the growing contribution of Uganda’s creative industry to African integration, cultural diplomacy and regional partnerships.
Over the years, Sheebah has established herself as one of Uganda’s most influential musicians, with a career spanning music, entertainment and entrepreneurship. Her catalogue includes several hit songs and albums such as Nkwatako, Karma Queen and Samali.
The latest recognition further cements Sheebah’s reputation as one of Uganda’s leading cultural ambassadors, with her music continuing to showcase the country’s creative talent to audiences across Africa and internationally.
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