Kampala, Uganda — Renowned gospel artist and preacher Pastor Wilson Bugembe delivered a powerful message of faith, prayer, and perseverance to students of Victoria University during a special address on campus ahead of his much-anticipated concert, “20 Years of Pastor Wilson Bugembe”, scheduled for August 8th. The university is proudly sponsoring the concert in honor of Bugembe’s two-decade journey in ministry and music.
Speaking passionately to an attentive crowd, Bugembe urged students to cultivate a deep relationship with God, stating that it is through love, prayer, and faith that dreams are realized.
“You cannot live a life without a shepherd,” Bugembe said, referencing Psalm 23. “David said, ‘The Lord is my shepherd.’ A life guided by God is a protected and purposeful one.”
Bugembe shared deeply personal stories from his own life, reflecting on the hardships of his childhood and how prayer and faith transformed his path. He recounted moments of anger and confusion after the loss of his parents, but noted that through prayer, singing, and finding solace in scripture, he found healing and purpose.
“I took God as my real father,” he said. “I used to sing and pray a lot, and I believe it’s those prayers that brought me here.”
Bugembe described how, even as a student, he would pray for others and people began to feel a sense of power in his prayers. Some started calling him “Pastor” even before he accepted the title. He spoke of students bringing him gifts, and even parents visiting him, seeking spiritual guidance for their children.
In his signature style—humble, humorous, and vivid—Bugembe shared a memorable story of witnessing a man repeatedly kick a cow until almost it fell into a trench, using the image as a metaphor for persistence, reflection, and the importance of having guidance in life.
“If a cow can walk again because it has a shepherd, how much more can you rise with God as your guide?” he asked the students.
The address was more than a promotion for the upcoming concert; it was a heartfelt moment of mentorship and encouragement. Bugembe closed by affirming that his concert will not only celebrate his musical journey but will also be a moment to glorify God and inspire the next generation of leaders, believers, and dreamers.
Victoria University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Muganga, expressed pride in sponsoring the event.
“Bugembe is not just a performer. He’s a living testimony of resilience, faith, and transformation. We are honored to stand with him in celebrating this milestone,” Muganga said.
