Faith Robinah Kabugo: From the classroom to the pulpit of music and charity

Gospel singer Faith Robinah Kabugo is not just interested in winning souls through music. She also wants to touch lives beyond the microphone, using her faith, resources and influence to uplift vulnerable children, young people and families.

A trained teacher, Kabugo once imagined that the classroom would be her primary platform for changing lives. However, after graduating from Kyambogo University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, she discovered that transforming society required more than chalk, textbooks and lessons.

Two years into her teaching career, she realised that her childhood dream of helping the less privileged demanded extra time, resources and commitment beyond the classroom. It was a turning point that would reshape her professional path, personal outlook and gospel ministry.

She eventually stepped away from classroom teaching to pursue her passion for community transformation, a decision that has since seen her combine gospel music with charitable work.

Determined to reach more people and create a lasting impact, Kabugo founded Hosanna Child Youth and Family Ministry, a youth-centred Christian charity organisation based in Bendegere, Nkumba, Entebbe.

The non-profit organisation focuses on supporting vulnerable children, teenagers, young adults and families through spiritual guidance, mentorship and practical community interventions.

"Empowerment through discipleship, mentorship and spiritual growth for children, teenagers and young adults is central to our mission. We also conduct community outreaches, providing practical support through food distribution, medical aid, school visits and family counselling," Kabugo says.

For Kabugo, these interventions are more than charity projects; they are an extension of her Christian calling and a way of putting her faith into action.

While charity work occupies a significant part of her life, music remains another powerful channel through which Kabugo expresses her faith.

"Singing is my passion and part of my life. Whenever I feel low, gospel music uplifts my inner being," she says.

Her musical journey started long before she became a professional recording artiste. During her primary school years, she actively participated in Music, Dance and Drama (MDD) and led the Sunday school choir.

Those early experiences provided a foundation for her vocal and songwriting abilities. She gradually developed an interest in composing her own songs, initially scribbling lyrics in an exercise book.

What started as a childhood passion eventually grew into a professional career in 2006 when she released her debut eight-track album, My Time Is Coming.

The album featured songs she had composed during her secondary school years, including Oli Wamaanyi, Teach Me and Thank You. It introduced her to the gospel music scene and marked the beginning of her recording career.

She followed it with her second eight-track album, Kyali Kisikirize, which featured songs such as Holy Ghost, Osobola and I Am Waiting.

Her third and latest album, Opanga, contains 10 tracks, including Ngiwaako Omusaayi, You and Me and Merry Christmas. The album has earned her six accolades from Uganda and Kenya, further strengthening her profile in the gospel music industry.

Not one to rest on her achievements, Kabugo says she is already working on her fourth album, which will contain 10 tracks and is expected to be released in early 2028.

Away from music and charity work, Kabugo is a family woman. She has been married to Entebbe-based pastor Michael Kabugo for 18 years. The couple has a large family comprising both biological and adopted children.

She attributes her achievements in music, marriage and ministry to God's grace, saying her faith has carried her through difficult moments and helped her overcome personal battles.

For a woman who once believed the classroom would be her biggest platform for changing lives, Kabugo's journey has taken an unexpected turn. Today, she is using music to minister to souls and charity to touch lives, proving that her childhood dream was never confined to the four walls of a classroom.