Veteran Ugandan musician, actress, and humanitarian Halima Namakula is set to be honoured at the inaugural Living Legends Gala, scheduled for 26 July 2025 at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
The announcement was made during a press conference held Tuesday at the same venue, where Namakula, 65, reflected on a decades-long career spanning music, television, and social advocacy.
“I really enjoy hearing people talk about me — it’s always nice to hear,” she told journalists and supporters, as captured in a video clip shared on social media by Sanyuka TV.
The timing of the gala, she explained, was chosen to accommodate Ugandans in the diaspora. “As a Ugandan-American, I would love for people in the diaspora to join in, especially since it will be summer,” she added.
Namakula began her artistic journey in the 1970s as a stage performer with the group The Black Pearls, later gaining national fame for her role as Michelle in the television drama That’s Life Mwattu. Following the death of her husband in 1994, she returned to Uganda and established a music career that included hits such as Ekimbeewo, Tonkutula, and Cheza (Sambagala) under her own label, No-End Entertainment.
She also broke ground as one of the first artists to hold a concert at the Serena Hotel, then known as Nile Hotel — a milestone she highlighted at the press conference. “I was the first artiste to hold a concert at Serena. I’ve gone ahead to hold five more since,” she said.
Reactions to the announcement have been overwhelmingly positive. Ugandan model Judith Heard wrote on Instagram, “Thank you for taking good care of yourself Mama @halima__namakula Keep glowing.” Namakula, known for her warmth, responded in kind: “@iamjudithheard thank you sweetheart.”
Supporters from Uganda’s arts and media industries were present at the event, voicing their appreciation. Actor and AfroMobile executive Kwezi Patrick called her “the only musician whose music I grew up loving,” and confirmed that the event would be streamed live via the AfroMobile app.
“She has left a legacy,” said veteran media personality Eddy Sendi. “On July 26th, let’s come together and celebrate her while she is still here with us.”
Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga, a prominent actor and cultural figure, described the event as an important moment for the country’s creative industry. “We are here to talk about the Living Legends Gala, which will take place on the 26th of July at Kampala Serena Hotel,” he said.
Uganda’s Peace Service Ambassador Milton Kambula echoed the sentiment, stating: “We are going to celebrate Halima Namakula — she’s no longer just a mother, but a Living Legend.”
Often referred to as a matriarch of Uganda’s entertainment scene, Namakula has long been associated with mentoring younger artists and advocating for women’s rights. She is the founder of Women At Work International, an NGO that supports women engaged in commercial sex work by providing alternative livelihood opportunities.
Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, she has received accolades including the Divas Lifetime Achievement Award, the New Vision and DFCU Woman Achiever of the Year Award, and, in 2009, represented Uganda at the Mrs World pageant in Vietnam.
Though her career has included challenges — including regulatory hurdles with her radio station, Beat FM — Namakula remains a respected and influential figure in Uganda’s cultural landscape.
Her daughter Rachel K, speaking about the upcoming celebration, described it as “a historic night” and “a celebration like no other.”
The Living Legends Gala aims not only to honour Namakula’s work but also to highlight the importance of recognising cultural icons in their lifetime — a message echoed throughout the event.
