By BigEyeUg Team
Veteran musician and philanthropist Halima Namakula has proudly recounted her legacy as a pioneer in Uganda’s entertainment scene, revealing that she was the first female artist in the country to own a radio station.
Speaking about her groundbreaking achievements, Halima shared that after returning from the United States in the late 1990s and early 2000s, she launched Beat FM, a radio station that became a major force in promoting local music and talent. But that was just the beginning.
“I was also the first female artist to own a recording studio,” Halima said. “And the first female to become a promoter who brought international artists into the country and organized shows here too.”
Among the global stars she helped bring to Uganda were David Campbell, Sean Kingston, Elephant Man, and Beenie Man, acts that thrilled local audiences and elevated the profile of Uganda’s music industry.
Halima credits much of the organizational backbone of her ventures to her son, who served as managing director and played a crucial role in her projects.
“My son was the MD who oversaw everything, and it was my name that influenced things to happen—even until now,” she stated. “He picked Serena Hotel for my upcoming concert and goes on to make sure everything is to plan.”
