By Ben Musanje
Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has encouraged Kalungu East MP and National Unity Platform (NUP) legislator Hon. Yusuf Nkerettanyi Kiruluuta, together with Buganda Kingdom ministers, to loosen their ties and unwind at the forthcoming Ataakulaba Akunyooma Kadongo Kamu Heritage Music Show.
Mayiga made the remarks while hosting a delegation of veteran Kadongo Kamu musicians at Bulange, Mengo, ahead of the concert scheduled for 1 July 2026 at Sheraton Kampala Hotel. Tickets for the event are priced at Shs100,000 for ordinary admission, Shs200,000 for VIP, and Shs6.3 million for a corporate table.
The Ataakulaba Heritage Music Initiative is supported by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and organized by Balunywa Promotions Event. The initiative is part of a broader national campaign aimed at preserving, digitizing, and promoting Uganda’s Kadongo Kamu music heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities for veteran musicians whose work has shaped the country’s cultural identity for decades.
Speaking during the meeting, Mayiga pointed at Buganda Kingdom Minister Noah Kiyimba and MP Nkerettanyi, noting that despite his demanding schedule, he always makes time to attend such events because of his love for instrumental music.
He said Kadongo Kamu performances provide a perfect opportunity to relax and reconnect with Uganda’s cultural roots. The Katikkiro also confirmed that he will attend the Sheraton concert despite it falling on the same day as the commemoration of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s coronation anniversary, and urged Buganda Kingdom ministers and the People of Buganda to support the event.
Mayiga observed that genuine talent never fades, comparing it to fashion, which changes with every generation while maintaining its original designs. He revealed that one of his favourite songs is Hadijah Namale’s Mukulike Omwaka, saying it has become part of his tradition whenever ushering in a new year.
He stressed that heritage music deserves the same protection as other forms of cultural heritage. He also appealed to contemporary Kadongo Kamu artists, including Sir Mathias Walukagga and Kazibwe Kapo, to respect and regularly consult veteran musicians in order to learn more about composing meaningful and educational songs that positively influence society.
The Katikkiro further applauded UCC’s initiative to digitize Kadongo Kamu music and make it accessible online, describing it as a priceless gift towards preserving Uganda’s musical heritage for future generations.
He also criticized artists who abuse alcohol, saying such behaviour undermines their dignity and prevents them from treating music as a profession capable of sustaining them throughout their lives.
Meanwhile, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo revealed that the Commission is searching for a suitable hospital where legendary Kadongo Kamu singer Amiri Sengendo can receive specialized treatment. Sengendo recently appealed for public support, saying that despite producing some of Uganda’s biggest hits, he has not enjoyed the financial rewards expected from his music career.
Thembo further announced that UCC will honour veteran musicians Hadijah Namale and Dan Mugula during the concert in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Uganda’s music industry. He added that the Commission will continue promoting heritage music by adapting it for modern digital platforms such as TikTok and YouTube to attract younger audiences.
The event also featured performances from some of Uganda’s celebrated Kadongo Kamu artists, including Godfrey Kibijjigiri and Fred Sebatta, each performing one song. Justine Nantume, Aisha Nakitto, and Sauda Nakakaawa joined traditional dancers in supporting Sebatta’s performance, entertaining guests throughout the evening.
The Ataakulaba Heritage Music Initiative seeks to rescue and preserve valuable Kadongo Kamu recordings that are at risk of disappearing due to ageing archives, deteriorating analogue formats, and declining exposure among younger generations. Through digitisation, restoration, cataloguing, and distribution across modern digital platforms, UCC hopes to ensure that one of Uganda’s most influential music genres remains accessible, appreciated, and relevant for generations to come. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
