Published on 16/07/2025
Victoria University yesterday, Wednesday, July 16, hosted a colourful event to officially launch Pastor Wilson Bugembe’s 20 Years of Music Celebrations, a landmark occasion recognising the celebrated gospel artist’s two-decade journey of faith, music, and ministry.
The event, which coincided with the university’s orientation for the July-August intake at the Kampala campus auditorium, attracted over 1,000 students who warmly welcomed Bugembe in a spirit of celebration and praise.
Bugembe, visibly emotional, thanked Victoria University and MTN Uganda for being the first institutions to formally sponsor his milestone August 8th concert at Kampala Serena Hotel.
“This is the very first time a university is backing my concert—and not just any university, but one that’s transforming lives. I can’t thank Prof. Muganga enough. He has taken in five children from my orphanage on full bursaries. That is a heart for God and for the future,” Bugembe said.
In a deeply reflective testimony, Bugembe shared his journey from losing his parents, living on the streets of Kampala, to finding redemption through faith, music, and mentorship. He urged students to seek purpose through God and to live with hope, resilience, and compassion.
“You cannot live a life without a shepherd,” Bugembe said, referencing Psalm 23. “David said, ‘The Lord is my shepherd.’ A life guided by God is a protected and purposeful one.
Victoria University Vice Chancellor Prof. Lawrence Muganga praised Pastor Bugembe as “one of the most inspiring Ugandans of our time”, describing his story as one of “faith, resilience, and transformation.”
“Bugembe is not just a performer—he’s a living testimony of how faith and determination can lift someone from the streets to greatness. We are honoured to celebrate this milestone with him,” Muganga said.
Welcoming new students, Prof. Muganga challenged them to embrace the university’s innovation-driven approach to education and leverage technology, AI, and digital tools to transform their futures. “At Victoria University, we don’t apologise for being different. We don’t compete with any other university—we focus on building a university that makes sense for every student in this country,” he said.
The transformational educationist reaffirmed the university’s commitment to blended learning, laptop access for all students, and a digital-first future that moves beyond notebooks and pens.
The event climaxed with Pastor Bugembe leading students in worship, performing some of his greatest gospel hits. Students who impressed during the sing-along received free tickets to the August 8 concert.
The Victoria University and MTN Uganda-backed mega concert at Kampala Serena Hotel is expected to be a night of worship, testimony, and celebration, capping 20 years of Bugembe’s music and ministry.
