The Kampala Serena Hotel was more than just a venue on Friday night — it was the stage for a defining moment in Uganda’s gospel music scene. Pastor Wilson Bugembe, a voice that has guided worshippers and inspired believers for two decades, launched his 20-year ministry celebrations with a show that will be talked about for years to come.
A City Pauses for a Pastor
By 4 PM, the usually calm entrance to Serena was buzzing like a festival ground. Long queues snaked around the driveway, filled with sharply dressed fans — some clutching Bibles, others snapping selfies. For many, it wasn’t just another concert; it was a personal pilgrimage to honour a man whose songs have been the soundtrack to their faith journeys.
Not Just Music — A Story Told in Chapters
Instead of delivering a straightforward setlist, Bugembe worked with Fenon Records to craft a visual and theatrical experience. His career milestones were revisited through live drama, archival-inspired visuals, and star-powered cameos.
The story of Kani unfolded like a short film on stage, with Mama Nakajanko, comedian Amooti, and Coco Must Shine acting out the lyrics in a way that drew laughter and tears in equal measure.
Moments later, Biliba Bitya erupted into a frenzy when surprise guests — Kasuku, Mendo, Chameleone, Bobi Wine, and Hannington Bugingo — stormed the stage, turning the performance into a spontaneous celebration.
When Gospel Meets Star Power
In perhaps the most dance-filled segment of the night, Rema Namakula, Allan Cruz, Kapere Lufotose, and Kalele joined Bugembe for Mpangira Akawala, transforming the concert into a high-energy street party inside Serena’s polished walls.
Two Decades, One Mission
The event wasn’t just about looking back. It was a reminder of how Bugembe has blurred the lines between gospel and mainstream entertainment without losing the message at the core of his work. Twenty years on, his ability to unite celebrities, church leaders, and everyday fans under one roof remains unmatched.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd lingered, one thing was certain — this was not just the start of a celebration, but a new chapter in a legacy still being written.
