Makoma promise to make history as New Vision marks 40 years at Kololo

Legendary Congolese gospel group Makoma has assured Ugandans an epic perfomance at their highly anticipated concert this Friday at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

The group that arrived in Uganda Tuesday, said this at a media briefing that held today at Vision Group head offices earlier today.

They are highlight performers as New Vision kicks off year-long celebrations to mark 40 years of service in the country’s media industry.

The gospel group return to Uganda after 25 years. “This will not just be a concert but a powerful night of worship and celebration in Uganda after 25 years. We are excited to create beautiful memories with our fans as we celebrate 40 years of New Vision,” the group said.

 
The Chief Executive Officer of Vision Group, Don Wanyama, said the anniversary is a moment of reflection and gratitude.

“As we celebrate 40 years of New Vision’s journey, we do so with immense gratitude. For four decades we have informed, educated and walked hand in hand with Ugandans through every chapter of our nation’s story. This milestone belongs not only to us but also to our loyal readers, viewers, partners and the entire media fraternity that has supported us consistently over the years,” Wanyama said.

He added that the concert is not just about entertainment but also about celebrating legacy, unity and shared values that have defined Vision Group over the years.

 
According to Owen Katwesigye Bigombe from Pacific Events, the choice of Makoma as the headline act was deliberate. “They represent nostalgia, family, faith, unity and timeless excellence. Their journey mirrors our consistency and impact,” he said.

 
Members of the Makoma family also shared their excitement about reconnecting with Ugandan fans, recalling the strong bond they formed with audiences during their earlier visits to the country. Singer Natalie Makoma described the return as emotional and meaningful.

“It has been an honour for us to come back to Kampala after 25 years. Uganda was the first English-speaking African country where Makoma performed, so coming back again feels very special,” she said.

 
Natalie also spoke about the spiritual foundation behind the group’s music. “Singing to God comes from the heart. Sometimes people didn’t think we looked like typical Christians, but we loved God and chose to sing for Him. When we recorded our album, we put everything in God’s hands. We prayed and fasted for over 40 days because as a gospel musician you must seek God’s guidance in everything you do.”

 
Derekford Mugumisa from Next Media also congratulated Vision Group on the milestone. “As Next Media, we are proud to be part of this celebration because it also shows that Uganda can host grand events and global artists,” Mugumisa said.

 
Several corporate partners have also joined hands to support the concert. Johnson Seguya, Trade Marketing Manager at Crown Beverages Limited congratulated Vision Group for reaching the milestone.

“Big congratulations to Vision Group for achieving the incredible milestone of 40 years in the media industry,” Seguya said. “As Pepsi, we are thrilled to be the official refreshment partner for this concert.” He added that the company will provide a wide range of beverages to ensure fans stay refreshed throughout the concert.

 
According to Barbra Margret Neema, CEO of Pacific Events, preparations for the show are already in high gear. “We knew we had to deliver something memorable. We have worked closely with partners including Pepsi, Next Media and MTN MoMo to ensure the event becomes a truly exceptional experience.”

 
Stage construction and technical setup at Kololo Independence Grounds started earlier this week, with organisers promising a world-class production. “The setup started on Monday and by tomorrow evening (Thursday) everything will be ready. We want to deliver the best production possible and give Ugandans an experience they will not forget,” Neema said.

 
Meanwhile, singer Racheal K, who will also perform on the night, said the event will be a celebration of legacy and unity.

“40 years is not an easy milestone. It shows that institutions built on trust, discipline and credibility can thrive. This concert is about celebrating that legacy and bringing people together,” she said.

 
Tickets for the concert are already on sale through MTN MoMo and other digital platforms. Ordinary tickets are going for shs50,000, VIP tickets for shs100,000, while VVIP tickets are priced at shs250,000.

MTN has also partnered with organisers to make the concert more accessible to fans by offering a discounted ordinary ticket available through the MTN MoMo app at shs45,000.

Organisers have warned the public against purchasing tickets from unofficial sellers. “We encourage everyone to buy their tickets through the official platforms. Do not be duped by people claiming to have physical tickets,” Bigombe warned.