Uganda Communications Commission launches initiative to preserve Uganda’s musical heritage through digitisation
Speaking during an interview on NBS Television Uganda’s After 5 programme with host Douglas Lwanga, a UCC official highlighted the importance of protecting Uganda’s traditional music, describing it as a reflection of the country’s history, culture and identity.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has launched efforts to preserve and promote Uganda’s rich musical heritage by digitising classic recordings and empowering veteran artists.
Speaking during an interview on NBS Television Uganda’s After 5 programme with host Douglas Lwanga, a UCC official highlighted the importance of protecting Uganda’s traditional music, describing it as a reflection of the country’s history, culture and identity.
The official said genres such as Kadongo Kamu and single-box guitar music carried stories, moral lessons and historical records long before the digital era, but many of these works are now at risk of being lost due to ageing analogue recordings.
Through the UCC Ataakulaba Heritage Music Initiative, classic catalogue recordings are being restored and digitised in high definition, allowing them to be preserved and accessed on digital platforms including UgaTunez, YouTube, Spotify and TikTok.
The initiative also aims to ensure veteran musicians and their estates benefit through continued royalty earnings while creating a link between Uganda’s musical pioneers and the younger generation of artists.
Music lovers, industry stakeholders and cultural advocates have been invited to honour Uganda’s legendary musicians during a heritage celebration scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026, at Sheraton Kampala Hotel Gardens
The project is supported by partners including Airtel Uganda, Rose Foam Uganda and Movit Products Limited, who are contributing towards preserving cultural heritage and strengthening Uganda’s creative economy.
