Wilson Bugembe is a prominent gospel musician and pastor from Uganda. He leads the Worship House Church in Nansana, near Kampala.
Early Life and Education
Wilson Bugembe was born in 1984 in Gulama village, Masaka, to the late Betty Naluwoge and Dreke Kilabira. His father, Dreke Kilabira, was also a singer and founded the Hossana Choir Kijabweme in the Masaka District.
Bugembe grew up in a family of five boys. After losing his family at a young age, he lived on the streets for a period. Of the five boys, only Wilson and his brother Brian Ddumba are still alive. His stepmother and stepbrother, Dr. Frank, who resides in Kyotera, are also alive.
Brian Ddumba, a Born Again Christian, is a doctor, songwriter, and gospel singer currently living in the United States.
After the death of Bugembe's parents, his grandfather Joshua Kabanda took in Wilson and his siblings, initially offering to pay for their education. However, after a disagreement, Kabanda ceased his support.
Bugembe attended Stella Malice Primary School and later completed his Primary Seven at St. Joseph Gulama in 1997. He then joined High Way College Makerere, where he completed both his O and A Levels, graduating with HED/L in S.6.
During this period, Bugembe faced significant hardships, including homelessness and hunger. Despite these challenges, his faith remained strong, and his life eventually transformed, leading to his current prominence.
After overcoming life on the streets, Bugembe joined the Born Again group, which aided in his recovery and growth.
Despite his early struggles, Pastor Wilson Bugembe's journey exemplifies resilience and faith, showing that nothing is impossible with God.
Career in Music
Pastor Wilson Bugembe began his singing career in sixth grade. His breakthrough song, "Mukama Njagala Kumanya," quickly became popular due to frequent airplay on radio and TV stations. At this stage, gospel music fans were still unfamiliar with Bugembe's identity.
Bugembe solidified his place in the music industry with his second hit, "Kamawo Eka," a song addressing social issues. This follow-up success demonstrated his staying power in the gospel music scene.
Today, Pastor Wilson Bugembe is recognized as one of the leading gospel musicians in East Africa, having risen from humble beginnings to national fame. His life story is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. This too sold a lot of copies, and it was followed by hits like Bwalikujukira, Kani, Ani, and many other singles that were both inspiring and woke up society.
Who Cares Who's Single
Omwoyo \sKatonda
Ebitala Bikutadde
Mwoyo Mutukuvu
Meeme Yange Ofaayo Nkusabira Worship Time for Nyo
Essanyu Speed
Leero \sWanaaza
Tembeya Njiri Wandibadde Mufu Komawo Eka
Samson
Bethlehem
Olwaleero Mbaga
Katonda Byakola
Nangirira
Oli Waggulu
Mpangira Akawala Ako
Biriba Bitya
Bambi DJ
Akaseera
Buli Lwomukowola
Lengera Embaata
Bamuyita Yesu
Munaabe Omusaayi Gwa Yesu \sKani
Kijja Kuggwa
Balabye Nnyo Yakuwa Entalo Zo \sEssuubi
Bwalikujukira
Mukama Njagala Kumanya
Nakowoola Mukama Nvunama gyoli Yesu
Tulina Erinya
Akasati Ka Yellow Twali Mudungu
Katonda Talimba Erinya Lya Yesu
Bibuzabuza
Abajulizi Muzukuke Albums
Yellow
Njagala Kumanya **Pastor Wilson Bugembe: Achievements and Contributions**
**Awards and Recognition:** - Pearl of Africa Music Awards: Best Gospel Artist (2007) - Pearl of Africa Music Awards: Best Gospel Single ("Komawo Eka") (2008) - Pearl of Africa Music Awards: Best Gospel Artist (2008)
**Ministry of the Church:** Pastor Wilson Bugembe founded Worship House Church at the age of 19 while still in senior six. Starting with just nine members, the congregation has grown to thousands. Initially, he purchased a 100-by-100-foot plot of land and expanded it over time, now encompassing a 3-acre site registered under Worship House.
The church, with a seating capacity of 6,000, will hold services in shifts once construction is completed. Originally named Light the World Ministries, Bugembe renamed it to Worship House for simplicity, a decision made after fasting and prayer. The church operates without sponsors, relying on fundraising and transparency in financial matters.
**Conflict Resolution and Relationships with Other Pastors:** Pastor Bugembe has had disputes with Pastor Bujingo, but they have since reconciled. He avoids conflicts with other pastors but opposes false preachers. He declined an offer from Pastor Yiga (RIP) to broadcast services on ABS TV due to theological differences.
**Political Views:** While Pastor Bugembe admires President Museveni for his support of religious freedom and free education, he maintains a non-political stance. He participated in the "Tubonga Nawe" song for Museveni’s 2016 campaign out of gratitude for his educational opportunities and religious freedom. Despite differing political views, Bugembe maintains a close friendship with Bobi Wine, who helped him early in his music career.
**Philanthropy:** Pastor Bugembe runs a home for children and, in early 2020, awarded a scholarship to Fresh Kid's sister, Trisha, to attend his Mercy Schools in Mende. These schools, supported by European friends, focus on educating orphans and less fortunate children. Bugembe is known for his charitable work and is a refuge for many Ugandans seeking assistance.
