ENTERTAINMENT, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – Ugandan gospel singer Aidah Praise is set to return to the country on November 7 after nearly 12 years abroad, with plans to rebuild her music career and strengthen her ministry.
The singer, who made her name through gospel songs including Omulele, Meeme Yange and the award-winning Takumiira Mpeera, was once a prominent figure in Uganda’s gospel music scene before leaving for the Asian continent in search of better opportunities.
Her music attracted considerable attention within the gospel fraternity, earning her appearances at various events and recognition among audiences for songs that addressed faith, personal struggles and everyday challenges.
However, after facing a number of challenges in her music career, Aidah relocated abroad, where she spent much of the past decade pursuing other opportunities while continuing her musical journey.
Her return is expected to mark a new chapter in her career, with PAWA Promotions and Management reportedly taking on the responsibility of supporting her comeback through music promotion, media engagements, distribution and career management.
The partnership is expected to help reintroduce her music to Ugandan audiences and create opportunities for her ministry to reach a wider audience.
Recognition in the diaspora
While abroad, Aidah continued to pursue her musical ambitions and received recognition at the 360 East Africa Entertainment Awards 2025/26, held in Nairobi, Kenya, in March 2026.
She won the Traditional Artist of the Year accolade, reportedly securing more than 3,000 votes.
The award also came with a promised production package, which the singer says she intends to claim upon returning to Uganda.
“I am going to claim the offer that came with the award as soon as I get back home next Saturday. They promised me studio sessions for both audio and video production,” she said.
From Kasanda to the gospel stage
Born Aidah Lunkuse on May 12, 1994, in Kasanda District, Aidah spent much of her formative years in Entebbe’s Kitooro neighbourhood.
Raised in a Christian family, she developed an interest in gospel music at an early age. She says watching gospel performances on television played an important role in shaping her ambitions.
Among her international musical influences are Nigerian gospel singers Jimmy the Psalmist, Mercy Chinwo and Ada Ehi. Locally, she draws inspiration from Ugandan gospel musicians Judith Babirye, Betty Nakibuuka and Pastor Wilson Bugembe.
Despite initially receiving limited support from her family for her musical ambitions, Aidah says church leaders helped nurture her talent through worship teams, where she developed her singing and songwriting abilities.
A music journey shaped by faith
Aidah describes her songwriting process as deeply spiritual, saying her compositions are inspired by prayer, biblical passages and what she considers divine revelations.
She says one of her earliest songwriting experiences followed a dream in which Jesus handed her a book containing song titles. The experience inspired her to begin writing music, and she says she has since developed a catalogue of 66 songs.
She also describes waking up with melodies and lyrics in her mind, which she feels compelled to write down.
Her discography includes the album Tusinze, which was produced during her stay in Dubai.
One of the significant moments in her career came when she performed Obigwana for the first time in Dubai. The positive response from Ugandans living in the diaspora strengthened her confidence and reinforced her determination to pursue music internationally.
She has also collaborated with Nigerian musician and former producer Columbus Onuoha on So Glorious, a track featured on the Tusinze album.
Musical identity and ambitions
Although her music is largely rooted in R&B and soul, Aidah also explores reggae, Afrobeat, dance and mainstream popular sounds, while maintaining gospel themes in her compositions.
She says her long-term ambition is to build an international gospel ministry through music that inspires listeners and reaches people across different backgrounds.
Her recent inclusion in the Best of Ugandan Gospel playlist on major music streaming platforms has also provided an opportunity to reach new audiences.
The playlist features established Ugandan gospel musicians, including Dreign, Pastor Wilson Bugembe and Grace Nakimera.
Challenges, ambitions
Despite her ambitions, Aidah acknowledges that financial constraints have affected her ability to invest consistently in music production and promotion.
She says balancing her regular employment with music has been difficult, while the absence of dedicated management has presented challenges in distributing her work and securing wider media exposure.
Her anticipated return to Uganda, coupled with the reported partnership with PAWA Promotions and Management, could provide a fresh opportunity to address some of these challenges.
For Aidah, the November 7 homecoming is more than a return to familiar surroundings. It represents an opportunity to reconnect with Ugandan gospel audiences, revive her music career and expand a ministry she has continued to pursue while living abroad.
