Ent. & Lifestyle
Celebrating 250 years of American story of jazz in Uganda
According to Dr. Nicholas Ssempijja, an ethnomusicologist and lecturer at Makerere University, jazz gained momentum through Ugandans who travelled, studied and worked abroad, returning home with recordings of celebrated American musicians such as Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and John Coltrane.
American jazz star Kirk Whalum performing in Kampala recently. (Credit: Kalungi Kabuye)
By: Aloysious Kasoma, Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - As the United States marks 250 years of independence through the Freedom 250 campaign, one of its most enduring cultural legacies continues to inspire audiences far beyond its borders: jazz.
Born from the African-American experience, jazz emerged as a uniquely American art form that transcended geography, language and culture.
In Uganda, its influence stretches back more than six decades, reflecting the enduring power of cultural exchange between the two nations.
A defining moment came in 1960 when legendary American jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong perfomed at the Nakivubi War Memerial Stadium. That performance introduced Ugandan audiences to a genre that would leave a lasting mark on the country's musical landscape.
According to Dr. Nicholas Ssempijja, an ethnomusicologist and lecturer at Makerere University, jazz gained momentum through Ugandans who travelled, studied and worked abroad, returning home with recordings of celebrated American musicians such as Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and John Coltrane.
Its growth was supported by radio stations, cultural promoters and educational institutions. The U.S. Embassy in Uganda also played a significant role by facilitating performances, workshops and exchanges.
A major milestone came when Makerere University incorporated jazz performance and improvisation into its music curriculum, enabling students to study the genre's history, theory and cultural significance.
Today, jazz thrives in Uganda through ensembles such as the Kampala Jazz Orchestra, church choirs, festivals and digital platforms. What began as a distinctly American musical tradition has evolved into a vibrant Ugandan movement.
According to Dr Ssempijja, "The U.S. Embassy in Uganda helpied nurture musicians who would later contribute to Uganda's growing jazz community."
"Around 2008 and 2009, Makerere University incorporated jazz performance and improvisation into its music curriculum. Students could now study not only how to perform jazz, but also its history, theory and cultural significance," added Ssempijja.
Its growth was supported by radio stations, cultural promoters and educational institutions. The U.S. Embassy in Uganda also played a significant role by facilitating performances, workshops and exchanges.
A major milestone came when Makerere University incorporated jazz performance and improvisation into its music curriculum, enabling students to study the genre's history, theory and cultural significance.
Today, jazz thrives in Uganda through ensembles such as the Kampala Jazz Orchestra, church choirs, festivals and digital platforms. What began as a distinctly American musical tradition has evolved into a vibrant Ugandan movement.
According to Dr Ssempijja, "The U.S. Embassy in Uganda helpied nurture musicians who would later contribute to Uganda's growing jazz community."
"Around 2008 and 2009, Makerere University incorporated jazz performance and improvisation into its music curriculum. Students could now study not only how to perform jazz, but also its history, theory and cultural significance," added Ssempijja.
As America marks 250 years of independence, Uganda's jazz story demonstrates the enduring power of cultural exchange. The influence of jazz is not found in imitation, but in inspiration—in how people and communities adapt an art form, make it their own, and use it to tell new stories.
The Freedom 250 campaign celebrates this shared legacy, highlighting how American culture has connected people across borders and generations while inspiring creativity, dialogue and mutual understanding around the world.
The Freedom 250 campaign celebrates this shared legacy, highlighting how American culture has connected people across borders and generations while inspiring creativity, dialogue and mutual understanding around the world.