Richard Masembe celebrates 25 years of gospel music
On July 4, Richard Masembe celebrated 25 years in the Catholic Gospel music ministry with a musical concert at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel, Lubaga.
Richard Masembe performs one of his songs during his 25th anniversary concert at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel, Lubaga on July 4, 2026. (Photos by Mathias Mazinga)
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About three decades ago, Richard Masembe was a rural dweller juggling Kadongokamu music and carpentry. He was stagnant in both trades though. Actually, the first album he recorded failed to sell. So, he went to Mount Sion Prayer Centre Bukalango to get the supernatural blessings of Msgr. Expedito Magembe (RIP).
Still, he did not get the breakthrough he wanted. But as he continued to frequent the prayer center, Msgr. Magembe advised him to change his inclination, from secular music to Gospel music. He then joined the church’s praise and worship group and became its keyboard accompanist. He later started writing Gospel songs.
The Sanyuka Dancers in action during Masembe's silver jubilee concert.
Today, singer Richard Masembe aka Masembe of Bukalango stands out as one of the most prominent local Catholic Gospel artistes with an extensive repertoire of over 150 songs.
He has shared the stage with popular Catholic soul musicians such as Fr. Anthony Aliddeki Musaala, Divine Love, Fr. Michal Ssenfuma (Anawim musical group) and Bro. Robert Mukasa Zidoolo, among several others.
On July 4, Richard Masembe celebrated 25 years in the Catholic Gospel music ministry with a musical concert at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel, Lubaga. The evening show attracted an impressive number of fans, who included clerics and musical associates.
Masembe was given a warm welcome as he made his way to the stage. He excited his fans even more as he performed his songs, including Njagala mbeere awo w’oli (I want to be where you are), Njagala mbeere ettaala (I want to be a lamp) and Bannakyalo (villagers).
Fr. Anthony Musaala performing one of his songs during Masembe's silver jubilee concert.
Richard Masembe's fans enjoying the show.
He escalated the excitement when he invited his wife Judith Masembe onto the stage and performed for her a special song, Bamuleete (bring her). Masembe was even more emotional as he sang a tribute song for her mother, Regina Nakku, and his aunts, appreciating the love and care they gave him during his childhood.
Richard Masembe later gave an emotional speech, in which he appreciated his fans for supporting him during his 25-year musical ministry. Even with the low returns and sometimes losses that are associated with local Gospel music, Masembe expressed his determination to push on. He said God called him to the ministry not to make money but to spread the message of the Gospel of Jesus, who called him.
Masembe’s special guests, who included Fr. Joseph Mugamba from Naddangira parish, Fr. James Ssebayigga from Mount Sion Prayer Centre Bukalango, Fr. Ronnie Mubiru from Wakiso parish, Fr. Musisi Lubwama from Kiyinda-Mityana diocese, and Fr. George William Sentamu, lavished praises on him, acknowledging his deep faith, resilience and commitment to the Gospel music ministry.
Masembe’s concert also featured other local artistes, who included Betina Namukasa, Aggie Mugera (Divine Love), Samuel Bbaale of the Amasamasa Maria fame, Fr. Anthony Musaala, and Sanyuka Dancers.
Richard Masembe sings a tribute song for his wife Judith Namusisi (standing beside him) during his silver jubilee concert at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel Lubaga on July 4, 2026. 
