By Faith Barbara Ruhinda, Caleb Turyamuhika, Canan Kyasanku, King Bukenya & Prince Bukenya
KAMPALA, UGANDA – Legendary Ugandan gospel musician Kirwana MC Africa on Saturday, November 14, 2026, celebrated 25 years in the gospel music industry with a spectacular concert dubbed Golokoka Yaka, held at Emerald Hotel in Kampala.
The milestone concert, which brought together gospel musicians, church leaders, city pastors, fans and other distinguished guests, was graced by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth Markson, who attended through his representative, Hon. Suzan Bakut Faith Loru, Member of Parliament for Napak District in the Karamoja Sub-region.
The concert was powered by fellow gospel artists and members of the Gospel Music Fraternity, who joined Kirwana in celebrating his remarkable journey of faith, music and service to the nation.
Gospel musicians unite to celebrate Kirwana
Before Kirwana took to the stage for his headline performance, several gospel musicians entertained the audience with powerful performances. Among those who performed were Sgt. Bukenya, Dr. Wilson Muwangunzi, Shadrack Richard, Afande Start from Uganda Prisons, Kim Irene, Doreen Watera, Isabirye Mulan, among others.
The event was also attended by prominent religious leaders, including Bishop Morris Bukenya of Eden Revival Church, Wandegeya; Pastor Kawesa Joseph; Apostle Francis Ntale; Pastor Gerald Mukuye; and Bishop Dr. Ssalongo David Livingstone Kiganda, among others.
A touching tribute to his mother
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when Kirwana performed his song Omukyala Omwegendeleza, a special dedication to his mother, Christine Katongole who is hospitalized.
Kirwana shared the touching story of his upbringing, revealing that his mother conceived him at the age of 17 while she was a student at Kololo High School. Despite the challenges of becoming a young single mother, she chose to keep the pregnancy and independently raised him, struggling to provide for his education and other needs.
He paid tribute to her courage, sacrifice and determination, acknowledging the significant role she played in shaping his life and career.
Kirwana, 51 also recognized his uncle, Prof. Samuel Kigongo, based in the United States, for sponsoring his first studio recording in 2001.
His debut album, Omukisa Ogutayina Buyinike, was inspired by Proverbs 10:22.
In 2002, he released his second album, Golokoka Yaka, inspired by Isaiah 61. The album became a national hit and established him as one of Uganda’s celebrated gospel musicians.
HICGI News Agency understands that the song also inspired powerful testimonies among listeners. With one prominent pastor who testified that his daughter, who was undergoing cancer treatment in the United States some years back, experienced healing while the song was being played. This testimony is on account of faith and the spiritual impact of gospel music.
Speaker of Parliament donates UGX 10 million towards Gospel Music Studio
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of a UGX 10 million contribution from the Speaker of Parliament towards establishing a professional Gospel Music Studio in Uganda.
In his speech delivered by Hon. Suzan Bakut Faith Loru, Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth Markson congratulated Kirwana on completing 25 years of consistent gospel music ministry, describing the achievement as a testimony of faithfulness, discipline and commitment to serving God and the people of Uganda through music.
Quoting Psalm 150, the Speaker emphasized the biblical significance of music in worship and its power to transform society.
He observed that music is not merely entertainment but also a powerful avenue for spiritual connection and transformation.
The Speaker particularly commended Kirwana for remaining committed to his calling for a quarter of a century, noting that his music had lifted hearts, strengthened faith and encouraged people through difficult seasons.
He further applauded the vision of establishing a professional Gospel Music Studio, which would provide artists from different parts of Uganda with an opportunity to record quality music at affordable costs.
According to the Speaker, investing in gospel music means investing in the moral foundation of the nation because music has the power to shape young people’s minds, heal wounded hearts, promote peace and strengthen families.
He encouraged the audience to support the initiative and help establish a facility that would nurture young talent and make gospel music more sustainable in Uganda.
Hon. Bakut delivered the Speaker’s UGX 10 million contribution in cash and additionally pledged UGX 2 million as her personal contribution towards the project.
Gospel leaders and well-wishers make additional pledges
Kirwana revealed that the proposed studio would be a first-class recording facility where gospel musicians would be able to access professional recording services at a generous and affordable fee.
He disclosed that the project requires approximately UGX 50 million for full establishment and called upon well-wishers, religious leaders, corporate organizations and government institutions to support the initiative.
Other contributors who made pledges included:
- Bishop Dr. Ssalongo David Livingstone Kiganda – UGX 1 million.
- Bishop Morris Bukenya – UGX 1 million.
- Ambassador Tonny – UGX 500,000.
- King Wesley – UGX 1 million.
- Apostle Ssalongo Ntale – UGX 1 million.
Several other guests also made contributions towards the initiative.
As part of appreciating his supporters, Kirwana presented each of the distinguished guests with a memory stick containing 124 of his songs, including 25 music videos and additional audio recordings.
Bishop Kiganda praises God-fearing leaders in Parliament
In his remarks, Bishop Dr. Ssalongo David Livingstone Kiganda expressed happiness that God-fearing individuals were now occupying positions of leadership in the Parliament of Uganda, saying this presented an opportunity to champion Godly values and principles in national leadership.
He emphasized that music remains one of the most effective ways of communicating the Gospel because people can receive spiritual messages through songs even when the message itself might be difficult to hear through other means.
Bishop Kiganda also received recognition for his longstanding contribution towards supporting, guiding and uniting gospel musicians in Uganda.
Special musical moment and promise of collaboration
Another memorable moment came when Hon. Ruth joined her sister, Dinnah who came with her in performing a gospel song they had previously recorded together.
Dinnah revealed that she had enjoyed Kirwana’s Golokoka Yaka song for many years, expressing her appreciation for his contribution to gospel music.
Moved by the moment, Kirwana promised to collaborate with her on a new musical project in 2027.
Kirwana appreciates supporters and announces next concert
Kirwana performed 15 songs during the concert, taking the audience through some of his most celebrated gospel compositions and giving fans an opportunity to relive his 25-year musical journey.
In his appreciation remarks, he thanked the Speaker of Parliament for accepting the invitation and supporting the Gospel Music Studio initiative.
He particularly recognized Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L.H.D. (Hon.), President of Heal The Planet Global Organisation (HTP), which is in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations, for inviting and engaging the Speaker of Parliament to grace the celebrations.
He also appreciated Pastor Aloysius Bujingo, Pastor Grace Lubega of Phaneroo Ministries, Family TV, Gugudde TV, KTV, Excel TV, Solomon and Doreen Mwesigye of KSTV, and other media houses and individuals for supporting the concert through publicity and advertisements.
Special appreciation was also extended to Pastor Peter Kasilivu and other well-wishers who contributed to the success of the event.
Kirwana concluded by thanking his fans, fellow musicians, pastors and everyone who had supported his 25-year journey in gospel music.
He announced plans to hold another annual concert in June 2027, promising his supporters yet another opportunity to celebrate gospel music and advance the vision of establishing a professional recording studio for Ugandan gospel artists.
The Golokoka Yaka at 25 celebration was not only a milestone in Kirwana’s musical journey but also a renewed call to invest in gospel music, nurture emerging talent and use music as a tool for spiritual growth and national transformation.
PICTORIAL
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