Isaac Serukenya to honour late father’s legacy with Serena gospel concert

Gospel singer and worship leader Isaac Serukenya is stepping into his late father’s musical shadow in a bid to carry the family legacy forward.

The 51-year-old singer is set to stage what he describes as a landmark worship concert at Kampala Serena Hotel on October 10, 2026, more than three decades after embarking on his gospel music journey.

Serukenya, who started singing gospel music in 1990, says the concert is the fulfilment of a dream he has carried for years.

Speaking at a press conference at Xenson Art Space in Kamwokya on Tuesday, September 15, Serukenya revealed that he had initially planned to stage the concert in 2020, only for the COVID-19 lockdown to derail his plans.

“My plan was to hold my concert in 2020, but COVID let me down. As a result, I concentrated on composing and recording more songs. It has taken me six years to put this concept together because it has always been my dream to hold my own worship concert,” he said.

Now, Serukenya believes the time is right.

He said holding the concert in October, Uganda’s independence month, makes the occasion even more significant, as he hopes to draw a big audience to celebrate music, worship and Uganda’s journey.

For Serukenya, however, the concert is more than just another date on the entertainment calendar. It is also a chance to reconnect with a musical heritage that runs deep in his family.

His late father, Henry Wassanyi Serukenya, was a celebrated Ugandan composer, playwright, singer and mechanical engineer. He died on December 29, 2018, aged 81.

Henry Wassanyi Serukenya was a founding member of the Nyonza Singers and played a prominent role in Uganda’s theatre history. He famously performed at the opening of the National Theatre in 1957.

He also composed notable musicals in the 1960s, including Makula ga Kulabako and Oluyimba lwa Wankoko, and composed the Bank of Uganda anthem.

Isaac is following in his father’s footsteps in his own way.

Besides being a professional electrical engineer, he is a worship leader, music director and pastor at Miracle Centre Cathedral Rubaga.

With more than 30 years in gospel music, Serukenya has built a catalogue that includes songs such as Enlarge My Territory, Ekigambo and Holy Spirit Take Over My Soul.

Gospel singer Ssali Cooper, who says he worked with Serukenya for 20 years, described him as a patient and hard-working minister who endured numerous challenges while building his career.

Gospel singer Brian Lubega also praised Serukenya’s vocal ability, particularly his consistency on stage. “Many people say that I am a good singer, but I believe Serukenya is more skilled than me when it comes to holding perfect vocals while on stage,” Lubega said.

The younger generation of gospel musicians, including Titus Kuteesa, Godfrey Kwezi and Segmental will also be part of the concert.