NORTHERN UGANDA MUSIC AWARDS 2026 CALLS ON SOUTH SUDANESE ARTISTS TO JOIN COMPETITION
By Onzima Allan
Organizers of the Northern Uganda Music Awards (NUMA) 2026 have called on South Sudanese musicians, both male and female, to participate in this year’s edition, in a move aimed at promoting regional talent and strengthening cultural exchange between Uganda and South Sudan.
The organizing committee says it has recognized the growing musical talent among South Sudanese artists living in Northern Uganda and those based across the border, noting that their participation would bring greater diversity and competition to the awards.
Speaking about the initiative, Temporal Omona, Chairperson of the Northern Uganda Music Awards, said the platform is open to talented musicians across the region, regardless of nationality, provided they have contributed to the growth of the music industry.
He encouraged South Sudanese artists to submit their music for consideration in the different award categories, noting that their creativity and distinctive musical styles have gained popularity among audiences in Gulu, Kitgum, Lira and other parts of the region.
“The awards are not limited to Ugandan artists. We welcome talented musicians from across the region who have contributed to the growth of the music industry in Northern Uganda,” Omona said.
The initiative has also received support from local leaders, with Gulu District LCV Chairperson Justine Simple man Obol describing the awards as an important platform for recognizing and promoting local talent.
Obol said the awards provide an opportunity to appreciate artists for their contributions throughout the year while giving emerging musicians exposure and a platform to reach wider audiences.
Meanwhile, Juma Jamie, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Uganda Music Awards, reflected on the growth of the initiative, saying it had evolved from a modest undertaking with limited resources into an increasingly recognized platform for celebrating musical talent.
He attributed the progress to the determination of the organizing team and support from local leaders, artists and the wider community, despite the financial and organizational challenges encountered in the early stages.
The 2026 edition aims to celebrate musical excellence, promote emerging talent and strengthen cultural ties between Uganda and South Sudan through music.
According to the organizers, nominations for the Northern Uganda Music Awards 2026 are scheduled to open on December 1st, 2026.
By welcoming South Sudanese musicians, the awards seek to expand their regional reach and create opportunities for artists from both countries to showcase their talent, connect with new audiences and contribute to a more inclusive music industry.
END