TAKEAWAYS

• Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga praised musician Mesach Semakula during a visit to Bulange, Mengo, ahead of his big 50th birthday.
• Semakula is set to host his 50 Years of Greatness concert at Kingdom Kampala on November 13 to mark his milestone year.
• Mayiga claimed that reaching 50 marks the true start of a sweet life where individuals gain the power to lift others up.

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, has congratulated veteran musician Mesach Semakula on his contribution to Uganda’s music industry, telling him that life is about to become sweeter as he turns 50.

Mayiga made the remarks when Semakula, accompanied by fellow artistes, paid a courtesy visit to him at Bulange, Mengo, ahead of his upcoming birthday concert scheduled for November 13 at Kingdom Kampala.

The concert, dubbed 50 Years of Greatness, will celebrate Semakula’s 50th birthday and his remarkable journey in the music industry.

During the meeting, Mayiga reiterated his long-held belief that people rarely attain substantial wealth before the age of 50, explaining that the earlier years are largely spent building experience, establishing themselves and acquiring the resources necessary to sustain their lives.

He noted that Semakula’s position today is significantly different from where he was 15 years ago, pointing out that he now has the means and influence to help others succeed.

“Fifteen years ago, you probably wouldn’t have been able to come here with the people you have come with today. But now that you are 50, you have reached a stage where you can help others rise. This is where life starts becoming sweet,” Mayiga told him.

The Katikkiro has repeatedly argued that while people can acquire property and achieve financial stability before 50, building substantial, generational wealth often comes later in life.

In his remarks, Semakula said his visit was also culturally significant, given his connection to Buganda and his work in the cultural industry.

“As someone who works in the cultural sector, I felt it was important to come and receive blessings from my ancestral home,” Semakula said.

The visit added a cultural dimension to preparations for a milestone celebration honouring one of Uganda’s enduring musical figures.