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What Are the Northern Uganda Music Awards?
The Northern Uganda Music Awards, commonly known as NUMA, represent a cornerstone of cultural celebration in Uganda’s northern region. Established in 2003 by Jams Production, the awards were initially launched as a platform to promote local musical talents primarily in the Acholi sub-region, emerging from a period of significant turmoil caused by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency that ravaged the area for decades.
Over the years, NUMA has evolved into a broader, more inclusive event that honors not just musicians but also DJs, producers, comedians, radio personalities, content creators, and other creative contributors from across Northern Uganda, including sub-regions like Lango, West Nile, and Karamoja. This marks the 23rd edition of the awards, which have grown from humble beginnings into a major annual spectacle that fosters unity, preserves cultural identity, and provides economic opportunities for artists in a region still rebuilding from conflict. NUMA’s significance lies in its role as a beacon of hope and creativity, encouraging music that promotes peace, social cohesion, and positive values amid ongoing challenges like poverty and youth unemployment.
In the post-conflict era, NUMA has been instrumental in revitalizing the local entertainment industry. Music in Northern Uganda often draws from traditional rhythms like lakubukubu (a high-energy dance style) and aguma (group performances), blending them with modern genres such as afrobeat, dancehall, and hip-hop. The awards have helped launch careers, with past winners like Bosmic Otim and Polite Mosko becoming regional icons. Organizers emphasize that NUMA is more than an event—it’s a movement that attracts government support, development partners, and thousands of fans, boosting tourism and local economies in host cities like Gulu.
When and Where Did the 2025 NUMA Awards Take Place?
The 2025 NUMA Awards unfolded on January 1, 2026, at the iconic Pece Stadium in Gulu City, Northern Uganda. Gates opened at 4:00 PM, with curtain raisers kicking off at 7:00 PM and the main show commencing at 8:00 PM. This timing aligned perfectly with New Year’s celebrations, drawing a massive crowd eager to usher in the year with music and festivities.
Pece Stadium, a historic venue known for hosting sports and cultural events, was transformed into a vibrant arena complete with elaborate stage setups, lighting, and what organizers billed as the region’s biggest fireworks display to cap off the night. The choice of Gulu, the cultural heart of the Acholi sub-region, underscores NUMA’s roots while allowing for broader participation from artists across Northern Uganda. Despite occasional criticisms that the event favors Gulu over other areas like Lira or Kitgum, the stadium’s capacity and accessibility made it an ideal spot for this year’s gathering.
The event’s date, falling on a public holiday, amplified its appeal, turning it into a family-friendly affair where attendees from as far as West Nile and Karamoja traveled to witness the spectacle. Weather cooperated with a cool evening breeze, though organizers prepared for the region’s unpredictable climate with covered seating areas for VIPs and sponsors.
Who Hosted the 2025 NUMA Awards?
While NUMA traditionally features a lineup of emcees rather than a single host, this year’s event was anchored by a team of top MCs and DJs from across the region, ensuring a dynamic flow that kept the energy high. MC Ever Dee, who later won both Comedian of the Year and MC of the Year, played a prominent role in guiding the proceedings with his signature humor and crowd engagement.
Legendary artist Bosmic Otim, announced as the headline guest artist, also took center stage beyond performances—he presented key awards, including the Overall Artist of the Year trophy, and delivered a memorable speech that became one of the night’s talking points. DJ RedCardz, who scooped DJ of the Year, handled transitions between acts, spinning tracks that bridged traditional and contemporary sounds. The overall coordination fell under Jams Production, the longstanding organizers who have steered NUMA since its inception, with support from local sponsors and development stakeholders.
This collaborative hosting style reflects NUMA’s community-driven ethos, where multiple talents share the spotlight rather than relying on a celebrity outsider. Past editions have seen similar formats, with local radio personalities like Rooney Valencia (this year’s Radio Personality of the Year from Mega FM) adding commentary and interviews.
Who Were the Standout Performers at the Event?
The 2025 NUMA Awards boasted an electrifying lineup of performers, blending established stars with rising talents to showcase the diversity of Northern Uganda’s music scene. Headliner Bosmic Otim delivered a powerful set, drawing from his catalog of peace-promoting tracks and traditional tunes, setting a tone of reflection and celebration.
Other highlights included Kamuzu Urban Niga’s high-voltage performance of hits like “Ni Muyayi” (a nod to his 2024 Song of the Year win), despite facing stiff competition. King Jahfire clashed energetically with Kamuzu in a much-hyped segment, performing “Fabara” alongside Agumela Wine. Nays Official, the Breakthrough Artist of the Year, wowed the crowd with fresh afrobeat vibes, while Snop Dee brought hip-hop fire with “Ayoli” featuring Labert.
Group acts shone brightly, with Aguma Group nominees like Lam Dogi and Paibona delivering rhythmic, dance-heavy sets that had the stadium pulsing. Maria A teamed up with Kamuzu for “Pe Aniang,” and Neo Okello with Evan for “Ayoo.” Young talents such as Emmax Kim, Freshboy & Baby Boy, and Slim Boy (Young Talent of the Year) injected youthful energy, performing alongside veterans like Lil Square and Kasid Puma. The night featured over 30 acts, including special recognitions for Pretty B and TamNoffy, who performed emotional tributes. DJs and MCs interspersed the lineup with seamless mixes, culminating in a collective finale that emphasized unity.
Performances weren’t just entertainment—they highlighted regional styles, from West Nile’s reggae influences to Karamoja’s folk elements, making the event a true cultural mosaic.
What Were the Key Highlights and Memorable Moments?
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came from Bosmic Otim’s impassioned speech during the awards presentation. The legendary icon, dressed in white, urged upcoming artists to abandon vulgar language in their lyrics, citing concerns from fans about declining standards. Reflecting on his own evolution from outspoken, critical songs to ones promoting peace and unity, Bosmic emphasized music’s power to build communities. “I was very vocal in the past, but I made a conscious decision to change direction,” he said, calling for industry cohesion to secure government and stakeholder support. This message resonated deeply in a region where music has historically been a tool for healing post-conflict scars.
Other highlights included the fireworks extravaganza that lit up Pece Stadium at midnight, symbolizing new beginnings. Emotional wins, like Doggy Kizz’s Overall Artist triumph, sparked wild cheers, while special recognitions for Pretty B and TamNoffy honored unsung heroes. The event also featured fan interactions, with voting results revealed live—adding suspense—and collaborations like Timcence ft. Mc WangJok’s “Bane Abana,” which won Collaboration of the Year. Amid celebrations, stakeholders echoed Bosmic’s call for uplifting, culturally rooted music, making the night a blend of joy, reflection, and forward-looking optimism.
Who Won the Major Awards and Who Took Home the Most?
The 2025 NUMA Awards distributed accolades across over 30 categories, with winners receiving cash prizes, trophies, and industry recognition. Doggy Kizz claimed the night’s top honor, Overall Artist of the Year, edging out first runner-up Jenneth Prischa (also Most Consistent Artist of the Year). Winnie Winzah emerged as a double winner, securing New Artist of the Year and Female Artist of the Year, marking her as a breakout star. MC Ever Dee also doubled up, winning Comedian of the Year and MC of the Year for his versatile contributions. Kasid Puma dominated with Dancehall Artist of the Year and Male Artist of the Year, while Snop Dee took Hip-Hop Artist of the Year.
Regional categories highlighted diversity: Lil Square (Male Artist Lango), Vera (Female Artist Lango), Lucky Dee (Male Artist West Nile), Maya Keys (Female Artist West Nile), Lil Kish/Lil Kiss (Male Artist Karamoja), and Sarah Lokong (Female Artist Karamoja). Other notables included Real Kid (Afrobeat Artist), Big Mosh (RnB Artist), Ronnie Dissaka (Gospel Artist), and Pat Ki Mar (Song of the Year). BadMan Derricko GangWa won Lakubukubu Artist, Lam Dogi (Best Aguma Group), and Ones Beat (Producer). Rooney Valencia earned Radio Personality, DJ RedCardz (DJ), Abokalam (Content Creator), and FreshyBoy Promotion (Blogger). Special recognitions went to Pretty B and TamNoffy.
In terms of most awards, Winnie Winzah, MC Ever Dee, and Kasid Puma tied with two each, showcasing a balanced spread that celebrated both newcomers and veterans.
Why Is NUMA Crucial for Northern Uganda’s Future?
NUMA’s impact extends far beyond one night of glamour—it’s a vital force in Northern Uganda’s socio-economic and cultural revival. In a region scarred by years of conflict, the awards provide a platform for youth expression, helping combat issues like substance abuse and division through positive messaging. By attracting partnerships and investments, NUMA boosts local tourism, creates jobs for artists and vendors, and preserves indigenous languages and traditions in music. As Bosmic Otim noted, unity among creatives could unlock more government aid, potentially elevating Northern Uganda’s scene nationally and internationally. Looking ahead, with voting for future editions already underway, NUMA continues to inspire the next generation, ensuring the region’s vibrant sounds echo for years to come.
