This Saturday, July 26th, all eyes will be on the Serena Hotel in Kampala. The spotlight? A woman whose voice has not only filled the airwaves for decades but also helped shape Uganda’s music identity. Halima Namakula is celebrating 50 years in music with a grand concert dubbed Living Legends—and she’s not doing it alone. Behind the scenes, MTN Uganda and MoMo are making sure the celebration is worthy of the icon.
In a time when support for homegrown talent can be as fleeting as the latest trend, MTN is making a long-term commitment. Through its ongoing initiative, Together Our Music Is Unstoppable, the telecom giant is proving it’s not just here for the hype but for the legacy, the hustle, and the future of Ugandan music.
But that’s not all. For those whose playlists lean toward gospel and inspiration, there’s something else on the calendar. Come Thursday, August 8th, Pastor Wilson Bugembe will also grace the Serena stage to celebrate two decades of ministry through music. His story, deeply rooted in faith, is one of resilience, hope, and now, gratitude—especially for the kind of backing that MTN brings.
“We believe in the power of music to unite, inspire, and transform communities,” says John Paul Okwi, MTN Uganda’s Manager for Sponsorships and Events. “That’s why we are proud to walk alongside our artists and ensure they have the platforms, tools, and support to go further. Together, our music is truly unstoppable.”
For Halima Namakula, the partnership is more than symbolic. It’s a validation of her journey. “I am deeply grateful to MTN Uganda and MTN MoMo for standing with me,” she shared. “My songs have become national anthems over the decades. I’m proud to celebrate 50 years in creative arts, and my legacy and sound will always live in the land I call my motherland.”
Uganda’s music industry is rich with talent, but it hasn’t always been easy for artists to thrive. Despite songs dominating radios, parties, and street corners, many musicians struggle to earn a living. Organizing a concert is a costly gamble, and turning fans into income often feels like chasing the wind. Monetization gaps and logistical hurdles have made sustaining a music career an uphill climb for even the most gifted performers.
Enter MTN Uganda and MoMo, not just as sponsors, but as partners. With platforms like CallerTunez, fans get to choose their favorite songs as ringback tones—and every selection sends money back to the artist. These small, regular earnings are quietly revolutionizing how musicians survive between shows.
Spice Diana, one of Uganda’s top female acts, credits the platform with boosting her reach and revenue. “MTN has been a consistent backbone for many of us artists. Their support for our concerts, coupled with the CallerTunez platform, has opened up crucial avenues for us to connect with our fans and earn from our music. It’s more than just sponsorship. It’s a partnership that truly builds careers.”
Fik Fameica shares a similar story. Known for his high-energy performances and growing regional appeal, he says MTN’s involvement changed the game. “Before MTN stepped in with their support, getting our music out there to a massive audience was always a struggle. Their platforms, from concerts to CallerTunez, have truly transformed how we reach our fans and monetize our efforts. They truly understand the needs of Ugandan artists.”
And it’s not just about phone-based income. MTN MoMo has revolutionized concert culture by simplifying payments. From tickets to merchandise and refreshments, fans can now use Mobile Money for fast, safe, and trackable transactions. For artists, this means less cash leakage and more money in their pockets after the final encore.
It’s the kind of full-circle support that the industry has long needed. From music legends like Halima Namakula to gospel icons like Pastor Bugembe and hitmakers like Spice Diana and Fik Fameica, MTN is walking the journey with them all.
As the music swells and more shows light up the national calendar, MTN promises this is just the beginning. “We will continue investing in Uganda’s music talent and industry,” John Paul Okwi adds. “Because when artists win, communities win, and our culture thrives. Together our music is unstoppable.”
One concert at a time, one ringback tune at a time, MTN is helping Uganda’s music find its rhythm—and keep it going strong.
